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Distracted Driving Laws Go On the Books Monday

28 Jun, 2019 Nancy Grover

                               

Sarasota, FL (WorkersCompensation.com) – With distracted driving one of the chief causes of motor vehicle crashes, several states are ramping up their efforts to combat the problem. Illinois, Tennessee and Florida have new laws going on the books July 1 to reduce phone use while driving.

As of Monday, Illinois drivers caught texting while driving will incur a $75 fine, and have a moving violation on their records. Three in one year leads to a suspended license.

Tennessee’s ‘Hands-free Law’ bars drivers from holding a phone. Period. Instead, they can use Bluetooth and/or ear pieces. The state already has a law banning texting while driving. The new law will allow cell phone use while driving in emergencies.

Florida is making its texting while driving ban a primary traffic offense. Currently, police can cite drivers only if they are pulled over for another reason. The new law allows a traffic stop solely for texting. A first offense carries a $30 fine but will not be considered a moving violation. A second citation will cost $60.

But Florida police say the new law includes so many exceptions it may be difficult to enforce. Drivers will be allowed to use their phones for safety related messages, navigation, traffic or weather alerts.

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    About The Author

    • Nancy Grover

      Nancy Grover is a freelance writer having recently retired as the Director, Media Services for WorkersCompensation.com. She comes to our company with more than 35 years as a broadcast journalist and communications consultant. Grover’s specialties include insurance, workers’ compensation, financial services, substance abuse, healthcare and disability. For 12 years she served as the Program Chair of the National Workers’ Compensation and Disability Conference® & Expo. A journalism/speech graduate of Ohio Wesleyan University, Grover also holds an MBA from Palm Beach Atlantic University.

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