Gov. Crist Supports Texting Ban This Legislative Session
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Florida Gov. Charlie Crist has come out with a Legislative wish list for 2010.
He clearly stated he is in favor of a ban on texting while driving this year, adding new momentum for the state Legislature to finally adopt some legislation when they meet in the spring.
At a Cabinet meeting the governor even prodded the head of the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles to also support a ban. But she stopped short of giving her full support. “We support limiting texting and driving” Julie Jones said.
For too long the cell phone industry has had its way with Floridians, but that is beginning to change. Jones told reporters that she senses there is a shifting intolerance in public opinion for texting, largely because of the number of fatal accidents.
While Florida has no officially tally on those who have died from texting while driving, the best estimate is that 15 were killed and 1,400 injured by distracted drivers in 2008. Those estimates are probably low since the Florida Highway Patrol is just beginning to note on accident reports when distractions contribute to an accident.
More than a dozen bills have been filed for consideration this March. Sen. Carey Baker, R-Eustis has filed two of them. “I think this year, something’s going to pass” he said.
Florida this year has a chance to join 14 states and the District of Columbia that already ban texting while driving. It's time for Floridians to move into this next year with a recognition and a resolve to make the roads safer for all of us.