Florida Finally Bans Texting and Driving, Sort of
No one's going to accuse Florida of being a safe streets pioneer. But yesterday, the Sunshine State took a "baby step" forward, as one advocate put it, becoming 42nd state to pass a law making texting and driving illegal.
Kathryn Moore at Transit Miami says the law still leaves a lot to be desired, but it's better than nothing:
In Florida, texting while driving is only a secondary offense, meaning law enforcement can’t pull you over solely for the action. The ticket itself is only $30, but multiple offenses become moving violations and add points to your license/ raise your insurance premiums.
In Florida, it remains just fine to text or drop an email when you’re at a red light – which sounds okay until you realize that motorists are obliged to check for people still in crosswalks as well as green lights. It’s also fine to take calls, change your Pandora station or use Google Maps.
U.S. DOT says in 2011, 3331 people were killed in collisions involving a distracted driver.
Elsewhere on the Network today: The Dallas Morning News Transportation Blog carries the results of a poll finding that Texans are willing to pay more for better road maintenance. The Bike League reports that the roughly 35,000 cyclists participating in this year's National Bike Challenge logged a combined total of about 18 million miles. And Global Site Plans explains how Bogota, Colombia, established itself as a global leader on sustainable and equitable transportation.
Stay in touch
Sign up for our free newsletter
More from Streetsblog USA
Thursday’s Headlines Are Down on Highways
Two outlets recently featured articles on the harmful effects of ongoing freeway projects.
Talking Headways Podcast: Details of Development Reform in Minnesota, Part I
Jim Kumon of Electric Housing discusses his work as a developer and urban policy educator in the Twin Cities.
Thursday’s Headlines Don’t Like Riding on the Passenger Side
Can you take me to the store, and then the bank? I've got five dollars you can put in the tank.
Study: When Speed Limits Rise on Interstates, So Do Crash Hot Spots on Nearby Roads
Rising interstate speeds don't just make roads deadlier for people who drive on them — and local decision makers need to be prepared.
Calif. Bill to Require Speed Control in Vehicles Goes Limp
Also passed yesterday were S.B 961, the Complete Streets bill, a bill on Bay Area transit funding, and a prohibition on state funding for Class III bikeways.
