1. Ryan Gentry
03.05.2012
JOU2100-002
Story #6: Localize State Issue
Students who receive a text message while they drive might
want to think twice about replying right away. A new law in Florida will
make texting and driving a secondary offense.
According to CNET.com, texting while driving takes a driver's
focus away from the road for an average of 4.6 seconds.
Deputy Jason Moss of the Polk County Sherriff’s Office feels
that texting while driving is a huge distraction, especially among
teenagers and young adults.
“There have been multiple accidents that I have been called to
that involved texting, so I’m glad that Florida is finally putting a
restriction on it. I think it will keep Florida safer,” said Moss.
According to a poll by the Tampa Bay Times, 71 percent of
Floridians support some kind of ban on texting and driving. University
of South Florida student Courtney Benton, a senior majoring in
marketing, also supports the ban.
“People should be more safer on the road, so I’m glad this ban
is being passed. I think it’s fair that only texting is being banned, and
not talking on your cell phone. I don’t think that it is much of a
distraction,” said Benton.

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First time offenders to the law will pay a $30 fine, while second
time offenders will suffer a $60 fine. If you are texting and are
involved in a crash, six points will be added to your license.
Some USF students, like junior biomedical science major Omar
Razack, think that the bans are unnecessary.
“Personally, I don’t see texting and driving as that big of a deal.
However, I’m glad that the fines aren’t that large, compared to
seatbelt and speeding violations,” said Razack.
Following a senate vote last Tuesday, the bill could go into
effect as early as October.