Jacksonville city leaders want state lawmakers to strengthen Florida’s texting and driving laws by having police able to pull people over solely for texting and driving.
Right now, texting and driving is illegal, but police can’t pull you over just because you’re texting.
According to the city council agenda, a resolution to make texting and driving a primary offense will be introduced Tuesday evening.
Action News Jax asked drivers their thoughts on texting while behind the wheel, and most said it’s not a good idea.
“Distracted driving is a very dangerous thing,” said one Jacksonville driver,
This summer, Action News Jax cameras spotted several people using their cell phones while driving on Beach Boulevard.
“The answer under common sense is stop it,” said driver Robert Deardorff.
In 2015, 3,477 people were killed by distracted driving, according to the National Highway Safety Administration.
Preventing unnecessary deaths is the primary purpose behind the push to make texting and driving a primary offense.
“Police do need to have something that they could lay their hand on,” said Deardroff.
In Florida talking on the phone while driving is allowed, but in some states even holding your phone in your hand while stopped at a red light is against the law.