Put it Down: Focus on Driving, It’s the Law

By Dwight P. Snyder, Police Chief

(Thursday, September 5, 2019) – As part of our traffic safety initiative, our police department is committed to providing updated educational awareness to our residents and guests to help keep everyone safe.

As you probably heard, on July 1, 2019, the “Florida Ban on Texting While Driving” law went into effect, making “texting” while driving a primary traffic offense. There are many reasons for this statute, but it largely revolves around traffic safety and reducing serious injuries and tragic deaths. The new law prohibits drivers from utilizing any type of wireless communication device to type or send electronic messages while the vehicle is in motion.

Additionally, beginning October 1, 2019, the second part of this statute takes effect. This portion of the law prohibits drivers from using any type of handheld communication while driving in a designated school zone or active construction area where workers are present. This means no handheld talking or texting on your wireless device while driving in these designated areas.

Distracted driving is anything that takes your hands of the wheel, your eyes of the road or your mind of driving. It is extremely risky behavior that puts everyone on the road at risk. The purpose of this new law is singular: to require drivers to put down their phones and focus on driving so that everyone can “Arrive Alive.” Be assured, the safety of this community is our greatest responsibility and will always be our top priority.

For more information, visit the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles website at flhsmv.gov or refer to Florida State Statutes 316.305, 316.306 for complete guidelines.