While some states are creating tougher distracted driving laws, Florida remains one of the states with the weakest laws.
In the state of Washington, it’s now illegal to hold a phone or even a cup of coffee while driving.
Some think that’s too harsh, but others believe Florida should follow suit.
Texting and driving in Florida is illegal but police can’t pull you over just for texting, because it’s considered a secondary offense.
“Distracted driving is a very dangerous thing,” Robert Deardorff said.
Most drivers agree driving and texting is not a good idea.
An Action News Jax camera spotted several people using their phones while driving on Beach Boulevard.
“I saw a lot of, especially young people, they're like [looks down]. So it's like c’mon man,” driver Cyril Losenara said.
Washington state leaders passed the first texting ban a decade ago, and they’re still trying to lead the way with the new law that bans holding anything other than your steering wheel.
“Do you think Florida should have similar law?” reporter Lorena Inclan asked.
“Absolutely," Deardorff said. "We need to have some way to protect accident injury."
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 3,477 people were killed by distracted driving in 2015 alone.
“The answer, under common sense, is stop it,” Deardorff said.
Right now, lawmakers are trying to strengthen Florida’s law to make texting and driving a primary offense.
“Police do need to have something that they could lay their hands on,” Deardorff said.
Cox Media Group
