In Florida, overall traffic fatalities climbed by 25% between 2014 and 2017.In Lee County, fatal traffic crashes increased much faster – 40% between 2014 to 2017. According to the Florida Dept. of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, there were almost 50,000 crashes involving distracted driving in Florida in 2016, and these crashes accounted for more than 3,500 serious injuries and 233 deaths.
Most experts agree the primary cause of the surge in traffic fatalities is distracted driving, increasingly caused by the use of smart phones and internet apps. The National Safety Council says the risk of a crash is four times greater when a cell phone is in use. According to the national “Safe Driving Report: 2016-2017,” Florida ranked the second-worst state for distracted driving. 
Recent studies show there is a relationship between individual state roadway safety rankings and that state’s driver safety laws. While Florida is one of the most dangerous states in the country for road users, it ranks as the seventh worst state for driver safety laws according to the Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety. Florida is one of only four states that doesn't make texting while driving a primary offense — which allows police to pull over motorists for offenses. Clearly, one of the reasons Florida's traffic fatalities are among the highest in the nation is that it has very weak driver safety laws in place.
Florida's alarming increase in traffic fatalities is of particular concern for vulnerable road users – pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists – who are at the greatest risk when drivers take their eyes off the road. The national 2016 “Dangerous by Design” report ranked Florida as the most dangerous state in the country for pedestrians. Eight of the most dangerous metro areas in the U.S. are in Florida, with Lee County being ranked the most dangerous in the country! The 2018 “Dangerous by Design” report is due out this month, and we anticipate Florida will again be worst in the country.
This is a crisis that can no longer be ignored. As the 2019 legislative session begins, we urge local lawmakers to strengthen roadway safety laws to address the growing dangers of distracted driving. Specifically, we request they co-sponsor the pending bill (HB 45/SB 76) that would make texting or talking on a hand-held cell phone a “primary” offense – dubbed the “Hands-Free Florida Law.”
It is time to address the larger problem of use of cell phones while driving, not just texting. Not only is the current Florida texting law weak, it is difficult to enforce. Laws prohibiting all motor vehicle drivers from using hand-held electronic communication devices while driving can be more effectively enforced.
We know that stronger laws will reduce Florida’s roadway fatalities. Of the 15 states and the District of Columbia that have enacted “hands-free” laws, 13 saw an average 17.5% decrease in traffic fatalities within two years after passing and enforcing their new laws. That means if HB 45/SB 76 were enacted an estimated 545 lives could be saved in Florida each year.
In each of the past six years, the Florida Legislature failed to take any action to strengthen its weak anti-texting law, and took no action to address the broader causes of distracted driving. It is critically important that the Legislature take action this year to address the growing dangers presented by the use of electronic devices while driving.
We urge legislators to support the “Hands-Free Florida Law.” Further, given that Lee County citizens are disproportionately at risk, we encourage our Lee delegation to take a leadership role in championing this legislation and work to ensure that the bill is enacted this year.
Submitted by BikeWalkLee steering group members Ken Gooderham
andd Darla Letourneau. BikeWalkLee is a coalition raising public awareness and advocating for complete streets in Lee County.