The Osceola County Board of County Commissioners is taking a firm stance against distracted driving, urging the Florida Legislature to pass a hands-free driving law. The commissioners will formally announce their proclamation in support of this legislation at tonight’s Board of Commissioners Public Hearing at 5:30 PM.

Their call to action aligns with a statewide effort to make Florida a hands-free driving zone. SB 1318, a bill introduced by Sen. Erin Grall (R-Fort Pierce), recently passed unanimously in the Florida Senate Transportation Committee and now moves to the Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development.

📢 The Push for Hands-Free Driving

Currently, Florida law only bans texting while driving, but SB 1318 seeks to prohibit all handheld use of wireless communication devices, making the state’s roads safer. The bill, also known as the “Florida Hands-Free Driving Law,” would bring Florida in line with 30 other states, including Alabama and Georgia, that have already enacted similar measures.

During the Senate committee hearing, Sen. Grall noted alarming statistics:
🔹 A crash occurs every 44 seconds in Florida.
🔹 1 in 7 crashes involves a distracted driver.
🔹 In 2022, over 3,000 lives were lost due to distracted driving.

If passed, the bill would also introduce penalties and require law enforcement officers to document the type of wireless device used in violations. A companion bill in the Florida House is still awaiting its first committee hearing.

Osceola County’s Commitment to Road Safety

Osceola County has experienced a rise in traffic crashes linked to distracted driving, endangering both residents and visitors. The Board of County Commissioners’ proclamation emphasizes the need for action, stating that passing a hands-free law would save lives and reduce crashes.

✅ Calls for statewide hands-free legislation
✅ Urges the Florida Legislature to take action now
✅ Official copy sent to the Governor and state leaders

With 31 states already adopting hands-free laws and seeing measurable decreases in crashes and fatalities, Osceola County leaders are determined to push Florida to join the fight against distracted driving.

📢 Stay tuned for updates from tonight’s public hearing!

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