Next month, the Florida Legislature will consider a bill to prohibit the operation of a moving vehicle while reading, manually writing or typing, or sending messages on electronic wireless communication devices, according to a report in the Gainesville Sun. Seven states already prohibit text messaging while driving and nine other states ban the practice specifically for teenage drivers.

The American Medical Association supports such laws, calling text messaging while driving “a public health risk.” The National Safety Council calls the use of a wireless communications device while driving “one of the most significant distractions that affects driving performance.” Even the recent Will Smith movie “Seven Pounds” addressed the dangers of text-messaging while driving.

Opponents, however, point out that text messaging isn’t the only distraction that drivers face. People also drive while eating, drinking, listening to the radio, talking to passengers and reading. They argue that existing laws already address such careless driving behavior.

Our firm has seen its share of cases involving persons who were injured as a result of negligent drivers sending text messages or dialing while driving. I’m happy to see the Florida Legislature doing its part to address this dangerous situation.

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