Pay attention while driving, distracted driving is dangerous
Every 44 seconds a crash occurs in Florida, and 1 of 7 is due to a distracted driver
Tallahassee, Florida – April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month. Preliminary data for 2023 indicates, that in 2023, nearly 300 people in Florida died due to distracted driving, up 23 deaths from 2022. Distracted driving is dangerous driving.
Distracted driving is an often underreported offense because the nature of the offense means that the behaviors associated with distracted driving do not fall under one statute but instead may fall under several statutes - such as Texting and Driving, Careless Driving, Failure to Maintain a Single Lane and Aggressive Careless Driving.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) defines distracted driving as any activity that causes the driver to divert their attention from driving, such as texting or talking on the phone, eating or drinking, conversing with passengers, or adjusting the car's entertainment or navigation system. These activities can distract a driver from the crucial task of driving safely.
In Florida, texting while driving is a primary offense under Florida's Wireless Communications While Driving law. Law enforcement can stop a vehicle solely for using a wireless communications device while driving, including in active work and school zones.
Additionally, other behaviors that commonly occur due to driving while distracted may constitute statutory violations such as careless driving, failure to maintain a single lane or when two or more of the following acts happen at the same time or in succession, they could fall under aggressive careless:
Exceeding the posted speed limit
Unsafe or improper lane change
Following another vehicle too closely
Violating traffic control and signal devices
Failing to yield the right of way
Improper passing
DISTRACTED DRIVING CITATIONS----------2019-----2020-----2021---------2022-------2023
Texting While Driving 2,127 4,263 5,371 6,930 6,629
Careless Driving 195,480 140,589 167,995 161,752 158,039
Aggressive Careless Driving 1,878 1,621 1,949 2,177 2,288
Failure to Maintain a Single Lane 33,153 19,124 24,937 27,613 29,946
PENALTIES FOR DISTRACTED DRIVING
Distracted driving can be hazardous and lead to fatal crashes. Various activities can cause distractions while driving, and penalties for distracted driving can range from points being added to your driver's license to substantial fines and court fees. To avoid these consequences, motorists should prioritize safety by eliminating distractions and focusing solely on driving while behind the wheel.
On September 15, 2016, the Scherer family was stuck in traffic heading north on I-75. Their vehicle, a Mazda CX-5, was at a complete stop, as were other cars stuck on the interstate. Without warning, the Scherer's vehicle was slammed into from behind by a vehicle going nearly 80 miles per hour. The vehicle, driven by Gregory Andriotis, pushed six cars 76 feet, killing the Scherer's nine year-old son Logan and injuring the rest of the family, along with others in vehicles ahead of the Scherer's.
“As your State Attorney, my duties extend beyond prosecution; they include prevention and protection. The 2016 Hernando County accident involving the tragic death of 9-year-old Logan Scherer serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of distracted driving. With this loss, we stand in solidarity with the Scherer family, whose lives will forever be altered by this senseless tragedy," said State Attorney William "Bill" Gladson, 5th Judicial Circuit.
"Distracted driving is not just a momentary lapse, it’s a conscious choice that causes irreversible harm with catastrophic consequences. The individual who took Logan’s life is now serving 30 years in prison. As we launch this new public safety campaign on distracted driving in partnership with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, we honor Logan’s memory by committing to undivided attention behind the wheel. Let us drive with vigilance, responsibility, and above all, compassion for those other lives we share the road with.”
Before the crash, Andriotis had been engaged on his phone, using it to text and talk. Witnesses to the crash and even the victims observed Andriotis still using his phone after the crash. In May 2023, Anthony Andriotis was convicted of one count of vehicular homicide and three counts of reckless driving. The case is Florida's first texting and driving case to go to trial. On June 15, 2023, Anthony Andriotis was sentenced to 30 years in prison.
For more information, including safe driving tips, information on Florida’s Wireless Communications While Driving Law, and downloadable resources, visit FLHSMV’s Distracted Driving webpage at https://www.flhsmv.gov/safety-center/driving-safety/distracted-driving/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery.
This message is part of a campaign during Distracted Driving Month by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), its division of the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), and its campaign partners which include the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), Florida Sheriffs Association (FSA), Florida Police Chiefs Association (FPCA), and AAA – The Auto Club Group.