Last week, we noted the comments of Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) Lieutenant Tim Frith to WPTV-TV regarding the increase in traffic fatalities in Broward and Palm Beach counties. “I know for a fact distractions play a large role in traffic crashes,” Frith told WPTV. “We need to attack driver distraction like we did with DUI and seat belts.”
The South Florida Sun-Sentinel also took note of Frith’s comments, and said it completely agreed with them in an August 7, 2012, editorial entitled “Ban texting while driving.” In fact, the Sun-Sentinel pointed out that Governor Rick Scott is aware of the problem, as he told the newspaper’s editorial board in early May that a texting-and-driving motorist had rammed her car into the vehicle of Florida’s first lady. “If ever there was a watershed moment to push such legislation, that was it,” the editorial said. “But still, nothing.”
Just two days later, the Sun-Sentinel featured Mike McManigal on the front page of its Sunday paper. As the video segment above (which will open in a new window when you click on it) discusses, the Cooper City father and mobile app designer started the “How is my KID driving?” program. Parents register the license plate number of their child’s car on the smartphone app’s website, and with their membership, receive two bumper stickers saying “How is my KID driving? Push Text my tag #.” The app allows other drivers to type in the six-number tag and send their thoughts via a one-way, anonymous text (For the record, McManigal told the Sun-Sentinel that he hopes “drivers would be responsible enough to wait until they’re stopped at a safe place before texting”). Membership is $15 for the first year and $10 every year thereafter.
In our next blog post, we will discuss some more apps available to help discourage distracted driving. We have additional information about auto accidents available on our website, and it is important to understand that you may be entitled to compensation if you or a loved one is injured in an accident caused by a motorist who was “driving while intexticated.” You can either fill out the form on this page or contact our firm at (800) 235-7060 to have our Orlando personal injury attorneys review your case.
Wooten Kimbrough, P.A. – Orlando personal injury lawyers