texting and driving in tampa (real estate, estate, work)

[jambo101]

Whats the current penalty for getting caught driving and texting in Fla.? I think if you kill some one while texting and driving penalties should be at least as severe as involuntary manslaughter

[BucFan]

So what are the things a driver can do to protect himself from this kind of driver (texter)? My biggest concern in driving through intersections for fear of being t-boned. Head-collisions on a two way highway/street is also a possibility. Interstate driving isn't as bad unless you have to make a quick stop and then get rear-ended by someone with his eyes on his phone instead of the road.

[jambo101]

My biggest fear is highspeed 2 laners where the car coming the other way just drives into your lane ,,head on at 60-70? you have no chance.

[annerk]

I'll talk hands free on the phone when traffic conditions warrant it, but text? No way. I can barely do it when sitting in my kitchen.

[annerk]

Originally Posted by jambo101

Whats the current penalty for getting caught driving and texting in Fla.? I think if you kill some one while texting and driving penalties should be at least as severe as involuntary manslaughter

Distracted driving, if done at a high rate of speed it could be reckless driving. If someone dies as a result of reckless driving, involuntary criminal manslaughter or vehicular homicide charges are possible.

[bentlebee]

I think the punishment is a joke...$ 20 for txt when it becomes a law...really?

In Europe it is $ 180 and there you hardly see anybdy txt behind the wheel because that will hit hard.

I agreewith previous posters that many times you are trying to get away from cars that drive crazy due to txting...and you risk a speeding ticket to get away from them and pass them because they go left and right and don't stay in their lane.

The minute their txting is over the push the pedal and drive fast until most likely their txt is answered and it starts all over.

To be honest I will look at my phone briefly when I get to a traffic light that is orange and changing to red since some take so long like you can go on a coffee break.

[algia10]

I am about to buy a truck horn, one of those really, really loud ones, and every time I see one texting horn my horn. Obviously someone has to get their attention back on the road.

You have no idea how many times I had to horn in the parking lot because two cars were both puling out without even looking back to see if the road was clear! Its a joke. It should be illegal just like it is in NY.

[annerk]

Originally Posted by algia10

I am about to buy a truck horn, one of those really, really loud ones, and every time I see one texting horn my horn. Obviously someone has to get their attention back on the road.

You have no idea how many times I had to horn in the parking lot because two cars were both puling out without even looking back to see if the road was clear! Its a joke. It should be illegal just like it is in NY.

I wouldn't do that unless it's to try to avoid an accident. You could easily startle not only the person texting but other drivers and cause an accident as a result.

[algia10]

Originally Posted by annerk

I wouldn't do that unless it's to try to avoid an accident. You could easily startle not only the person texting but other drivers and cause an accident as a result.

I horn everyone who is sliding in the right lane now, possibly over 10 cars per day...It has become quite ridiculous.

These ppl seem unaware of everyone else on the road, and traffic laws.

[DWMachineshop]

If you cause an accident they should be able to look at the phone record and if you were on the phone for ANY reason, talking or texting, the penalty should be as if for DWI!