SARASOTA – Florida Highway Patrol State Trooper Kenn Watson is reminding us drivers, we’re not the only ones on the road.
“One of our goals at Florida Highway Patrol is making sure that everyone is aware of how many motorcyclists and bicyclists we have on the Suncoast,” Watson said, which could be more than in some other states.
“Obviously people are gonna be taking advantage of the good weather we have, and they’re going to be getting on those motorcycles and those bicycles,” Watson said.
That leaves us with an important job.
“..to make sure we take care of those vulnerable users of our roadway,” Watson said, by avoiding careless and distracted driving.
“Make sure you’re putting your phone down, you’re not texting, and use your mirrors. It’s absolutely critical to check those blind spots,” Watson said.
When you’re texting, the whole road is a blind spot.
“If you’re traveling the speed limit, and you look down for simply three seconds, you’re gonna travel approximately the length of a football field,” Watson said.
The Florida Legislature just approved law that would ban texting while driving and allow law enforcement to target drivers doing it.
“There are ramifications for driving distracted,” Watson said. “These are things that are going to affect your driver’s license, and can affect not only your safety, but safety of everyone around you.”
The bill is now sitting on Governor DeSantis’ desk waiting for final approval.
Watson is reminding us to have, and use, situational awareness.
“Put those phones down, both hands on the wheel, use your mirrors, and everyone gets home safely,” Watson said.
Watson says without a doubt most of the crashes F.H.P. sees are caused by distracted drivers.
