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FLORIDA - Florida officials are urging motorists to eliminate distractions and stay focused behind the wheel to prevent crashes and save lives as part of National Distracted Driving Awareness Month.
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), along with the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), is leading a statewide campaign to raise awareness about the dangers of distracted driving.
Officials emphasize that safe driving requires full attention to the road, surroundings, speed, and other vehicles—and even a brief lapse in focus can lead to tragedy.
Preliminary data from 2024 shows nearly 300 people were killed and over 2,200 seriously injured in Florida due to crashes caused by distracted drivers.
Distractions can include texting, talking on the phone, adjusting navigation systems, eating, or engaging with passengers.
Even loud music or conversations in the car can take a driver’s focus away from the road.
Passengers are also encouraged to help promote safety by avoiding behaviors that may divert the driver’s attention and offering assistance when necessary, such as sending texts or managing GPS directions.
Texting while driving is a primary offense in Florida, meaning law enforcement can stop and cite a driver solely for that behavior.
Other citations may include careless or aggressive driving, all of which can lead to fines, points on a license, or worse.
Officials urge all drivers to put the phone down and focus on getting to their destination safely.