Comments on: Florida: Cell phone laws, legislation

By: Ted M.

Ted M. — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 13:26:16 +0000

A quick comment on the previous posters note. The oft heard phrase “… attempt to take away our rights” is overused and not appropriate in this discourse because:

1. No one it taking away your rights to use any of these portable devices. Pull off the road or get your messages at the next convenient stop. The currently permitted use of hand held devices is a priviledge not a right (BIG difference).

2. In this more and more self-centric country we live in, much argument has its roots in the perspective of “what’s in it for ME” vs “what would be best for greater good”.

3. I would ask anyone who uses the previous poster’s assertions to answer how they would respond to the next victim’s family when asked “Was my son/daughter/wife/husband’s RIGHT to live less important than your PRIVILEDGE to text or chat on a hand held cell while driving?”

4. Statistics often drive what acts/behaviors need to be addressed through legislation. If someone can show me that glancing at the speedometer or punching a button on the radio is statistically as bad as the text/cell issue, then I concede – rather than go back to horse and buggy, we’ll just let the insurance industry continue to jack their rates to cover this casualty. I’ll leave the numbers jousting to the professionals who track this stuff!

Bob, I am in complete agreement with you about the never ending growth of legislation that is strangling this country and I don’t want any more laws added UNNECESSARILY to the books. But, when a priviledge (not a RIGHT) is abused to the extent that statistically the public is endangered (e.g. DUI), you’ve got to ask “shouldn’t there be a law against this?” Sorry if anything I wrote offends anyone – I just see this lousy texting/cell behavior every day along with the accidents and near accidents that result. Peace.

By: Bob

Bob — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 05:04:19 +0000

This is just another attempt to take away our rights. You’re just going to be pulled over for looking down for a second and that’s good enough. Maybe we should ban radio’s because changing the station distracts you or maybe the music!?

By: Mark Heitov

Mark Heitov — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 21:40:48 +0000

I too agree we are a society plagued with government overeach, but if drunk driving is considered a threat and we see so many public service announcements on it or the watch twice for motorcyclist announcements, and yet these bozos in our legislature can’t see the true threat to public safety texting while driving presents, then they prove they are there for their own interests and could give a rat’s ass when it comes to truly having the citizens they supposedly represent’s interests in mind. I guess it would only take a bunch more like Rep. Slosberg’s daughter’s tragedy to shake these neanderthals out of their stupors!

By: James

James — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 13:30:24 +0000

Florida has become such a pussified state, we need to stop worrying about what others think and do it already. Over 80 percent of the fatal accidents in this state are caused by distracted driving. Its time people start using their head and think before you put yourself or someone else in danger. You are driving a vehicle that can be difficult to stop on a dime.

By: enzo

enzo — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 05:45:45 +0000

I don’t think that everyone should get punished for other ppl stupidity if all ppl lose the rights I think police and emergency transportation should also lose there rights too they are also the ones driving at an excessive speed just because they have a badge or are medical there still drivers, like the rest off us too they take our rights lets make it equal too works on everyone no favorites laws are made to be fallow not to be broken I have seen our own law enforcement breaking the same laws that we have to obey

By: JDavison

JDavison — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 20:03:33 +0000

I can understand some kind of law if someone is texting and maybe even talking on a handheld device. The bluetooth device is a good plan as well as systems that are in cars that allow communication. However, if the law that bans cell phone use completely is passed, it would be a big mistake. The main concern of this issue seems to be a distraction for the driver. I happen to know of a couple of instances when a driver was changing the dial on the radio and hit people walking across the street killing them both. Will this law include that you cannot adjust your radio? Will this law require that a driver cannot have a discussion with other passengers in the car? People have discussions, confront their children’s behaviors in the back seat while driving and these actions cause accidents as well. Again banning texting while driving I understand but putting a total ban on cell phone use doesn’t make any sense.

By: Terry F

Terry F — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 13:19:32 +0000

I don’t understand why our Florida legislators are so blind to passing serious anti-texting laws. The attitude they have been taking shows no common sense whatsoever.
I am almost surprised they have not legalized driving while under the influence. There are numerous studies determining that people driving barely over the legal alcohol limit are probably safer drivers than those texting and driving. What is wrong with this picture?

By: Ted M.

Ted M. — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 17:26:39 +0000

What can I do to help get this hands free only legislation passed?? I bike to work 30 minutes each day and can attest first hand to the deadly dangers of these nut jobs who are yapping on cell phones or punching in text messages. Just about EVERY weaving driver or one that fails to stop at intersections is working one of these devices!

This is not about infringing on your individual rights – it’s about protecting the masses from careless drivers. When the population is threatened by this behavior, laws need to be passed. Period. Nobody likes more laws on the books but I’m here to tell you that unless something is done, I’m most assuredly going to be killed by one of those drivers. And yes, I use a bike lane and drive EXTREMELY defensively. My life is more valuable that your cell phone or text message!

Heck, 15-20 years ago the world survived just fine without these devices and NO ONE can say things have changed today that warrant permitting this dangerous behavior. I Florida doesn’t see merit in protecting their citizens by passing protective legislation and backing it up with stiff enforcement, why the hell have drunk driving laws? There’s enough stats out there to prove the dangers in using handheld cell phones and texting! If I get killed by a texting moron, I hope some major highway will be named after me.

By: Brenda Kolbrich

Brenda Kolbrich — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 15:30:04 +0000

I am truly shocked to hear that our own governor vetoed a bill banning cell phone use or even the education to new drivers on the dangers of cell phone use. This is reminiscant of the seat belt laws and who can possibly argue today that seat belts don’t save lives of course they do! Mr Scott please do the research and Vote to Ban All electronics use for ALL ages – make Florida a Leader in Safety and not always catching up while we witness hundreds of tragic and unnecessary deaths espcially with our youth. You represent us pls do the Right Thing and Ban all electronics use thank you.

By: marie

marie — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 05:58:14 +0000

It is ridiculous, that we let our state stay behind on such urgent issues, it is an embarrassment for sure, lets keep trying to fight this issue fellow Floridians!!!! What are we thinking? Where do Floridians come from? Let’s show the rest of the country that we are smarter than that. I felt horrible when I was in California and they said, “What is going on with you guys, wake up already, and you are so slow”.We need a knick on our rears”. Don’t just read this, do something now…..now….now, before you or a loved one dies….dies….dies…..are you awake now???????????