Contact:
Michael Carlson
President, Personal Insurance Federation of Florida
PH: (850) 597-7425
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PIFF STATEMENT SUPPORTING PRIMARY ENFORCEMENT OF TEXTING AND DRIVING BAN
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (March 7, 2017) – The Personal Insurance Federation of Florida (PIFF) today issued the following statement regarding its support of SB 144 filed by Senator Rene Garcia and co-sponsored by Senator Daphne Campbell.
“Today the Senate Communications, Energy and Public Utilities Committee supported making Florida’s ban on texting and driving law a primary offense for drivers under the age of 18. This is a significant step in deterring younger drivers from using their cellular devices while on the road,” said PIFF Vice President of Legislative and Regulatory Affairs Samantha Sexton.
“PIFF members recognize that drivers ultimately have the power to decrease crash-related deaths associated with distracted driving, and we applaud members of the Florida Senate for supporting a meaningful deterrent. Like many behaviors, it takes time to break a habit; and we believe if young drivers understand that they can be pulled over for texting and driving they will be encouraged to change their behavior,” she said.
The National Traffic Highway Traffic Safety Administration attributes thousands of crash-related deaths each year to distracted driving, yet the Florida Legislature has taken minimal steps to reduce distracted driving.
“Penalizing texting and driving is similar to the 2009 Florida seat belt law that significantly changed drivers’ behavior, creating safer roads and conditions for all Floridians,” Sexton said.
The Personal Insurance Federation of Florida was formed in late 2010 with three charter members: Allstate and Castle Key Insurance Companies, The Progressive Group of Insurance Companies, and State Farm Insurance Companies, to create a dynamic, efficient, and competitive marketplace for personal insurance products for the benefit of all Floridians. PIFF charter members serve 45 percent of the automobile insurance market and more than 20 percent of the homeowners’ property insurance market.
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