Texting ban likely to hit the skids

News-Press 2/21/11
by Bob Rathgeber

Several state lawmakers have proposed legislation that would ban texting while
driving. Chances those bills will pass the Republican-dominated Legislature and
land on Gov. Rick Scott's desk appear to be slim.

State Rep. Gary Aubuchon, R-Cape Coral, one of the most powerful members of the
House as head of the rules committee, said last week the Legislature isn't in the mood to "legislate issues that are really matters of personal responsibility."

Last year, 17 bills were introduced to address texting and driving, but none
reached the governor's desk. The legislative session begins March 8.

"Not a lot has changed year over year," Aubuchon said. This Legislature is more
conservative. ... It doesn't seem likely."

Nevertheless, some are pushing for the "Florida Ban on Texting While Driving Law"
that has been introduced in the House and the Senate.

Click here to continue reading the article.

For background on this issue and how it impacts cyclists and pedestrians, see the September 26th blog story about the News-Press Sunday opinion page which featured distracted driving.

To read BikeWalkLee's commentary on the issue, click here.