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What Every Florida Driver Should Know About Distracted Driving Accidents

Dec 1, 2025 | Accident Law

Distracted driving has quietly become one of the leading dangers on Florida’s roads. It isn’t just about sending a quick text or glancing at your phone — distraction can take many forms, and it only takes a second for tragedy to strike. Whether you’re a frequent commuter, road‑tripper, or parent driving kids to school, understanding how distraction affects risk — and what the law requires — can help you stay safe, avoid traffic tickets, and protect your future in a crash claim.

What Counts as Distracted Driving in Florida

Distracted driving includes any activity that diverts attention from controlling the vehicle. That doesn’t just mean texting. According to state and national safety guidelines, distracted behaviors include: The Reyes Firm+2NHTSA+2

  • Texting, typing, or reading messages on a phone

  • Holding or manipulating a handheld device (phone, tablet, etc.)

  • Changing GPS, adjusting music or radio

  • Eating or drinking while driving

  • Interacting with passengers or children

  • Looking away from the road — even for a few seconds

  • Cognitive distraction (thinking about something else) or daydreaming The Reyes Firm+2Pendas Law+2

Even hands‑free calling or quick glances away from the road may increase risk — but laws target the most dangerous behaviors. Wikipedia+1

Florida’s Laws on Distracted Driving (What You Must Know)

As of 2019, the laws in Florida cracked down on handheld distractions: Florida Highway Safety+2Florida Legislature+2

  • Under Florida Statute 316.305, it is illegal to manually type or enter multiple characters on a handheld wireless communications device while driving.

  • This is a primary offense — meaning law enforcement can pull you over solely for this violation. Florida Legislature+1

  • Additional restrictions apply in school zones and work/construction zones under Florida Statute 316.306; in those zones, using a handheld device is prohibited (even for calls). Florida Highway Safety+1

Penalties:

The law reflects a growing recognition that even brief distractions — shape of a text bubble, glance at GPS — dramatically increase crash risk.

The Scope of the Problem — Disturbing Statistics

  • In Florida, preliminary 2023 data shows nearly 300 deaths and over 2,200 serious injuries due to crashes involving distracted drivers. Florida Highway Safety+1

  • On average, a crash occurs every 44 seconds in Florida — and about 1 in 7 of those involve distracted driving. Florida Highway Safety+1

  • In a recent year, Florida recorded nearly 48,500 distracted‑driving crashes, resulting in 300 deaths and 2,700 serious injuries. Brooks Law Group+1

  • Nationwide, texting or phone use while driving dramatically increases crash risk — at 55 mph, just 5 seconds of eyes off the road is like driving the length of a football field blind. NHTSA+1

These numbers show that distraction isn’t a “minor risk” — it’s a major public safety crisis.

What You Can Do to Protect Yourself — Tips for Safe Driving

Here are practical steps to reduce risk every time you get behind the wheel:

Put your phone out of reach (trunk, glove box, or passenger seat). Out of sight — out of temptation.

Use hands‑free tech only when stationary — even voice calls can divert attention.

Set up GPS or music before you start driving, not while on the road.

If you must send/receive messages or respond to notifications — pull over safely first.

Be extra cautious in work zones or school zones — where handheld device use is strictly banned under law.

If you’re tired, distracted, or emotional — wait. Driving requires full mental focus.

Educate passengers (especially teens/young drivers) about the dangers — distractions affect everyone in the vehicle.

What to Do If a Distracted Driver Hurts You

Distracted‑driver crashes often lead to catastrophic injuries — including whiplash, fractures, head trauma, or worse. If you’re hit by someone who was texting, calling, or otherwise distracted, here’s what to do: Spivey Law+1

  • Get medical attention immediately, even if injuries seem minor (some injuries reveal themselves later).

  • Take photos at the crash scene (vehicle damage, skid marks, phone or device left on seat).

  • Get witness information or police reports — they can support claims of negligence or distracted behavior.

  • Contact an experienced personal‑injury attorney who understands Florida distracted‑driving laws and how to prove negligence.

Distracted driving isn’t a “minor mistake” — it’s a serious risk that kills and maims hundreds every year in Florida. The laws are strict, but ultimately they rely on responsible behavior from drivers. Whether you’re commuting to work, driving kids to school, or heading on a family trip — cutting distractions can save lives.

Stay alert, stay focused, and if you or a loved one is hurt by a distracted driver, you have rights and options.