ORLANDO, Fla. – In 2019, News 6 and a devoted team of advocates successfully changed Florida law, making texting while driving a primary offense.
Now, that same team is pushing for the next step – making Florida a hands-free state.
Leading this fight is Demetrius Branca, a father who lost his son, Anthony, to a distracted driver. With relentless dedication, Branca is now using every spare moment to advocate for change and prevent further tragedies.
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A Mission to Save Lives
Branca’s campaign involves attending 11 county council meetings during the next month, speaking with local officials, and sharing his heartbreaking story in hopes of driving legislative action.
“I’m a dad from Tallahassee, and I’m on a mission to save lives,” Branca said.
We met Branca in 2017 when he first took his fight to Tallahassee, urging lawmakers to take action against distracted driving. His son, Anthony, was killed when a distracted driver rear-ended his motorcycle with a van. Branca, along with News 6 and other supporters, played a pivotal role in getting the 2019 law passed. However, he believes it was only a first step.
Challenges in Enforcing the Current Law
While the 2019 legislation made texting while driving a primary offense, many law enforcement officials find it difficult to enforce. Branca echoes the frustrations of a Central Florida sheriff who called the law “as useless as mammaries on a boar hog.”
Recognizing the gaps in the current law, Branca is now traveling across Florida, urging county commissions to pass resolutions in support of a hands-free law. He hopes these local measures will pressure state lawmakers to take decisive action.
A Grassroots Push for Change
Despite his passionate advocacy, Branca faces an uphill battle. Local resolutions cannot force state lawmakers to act. However, he believes generating public and political pressure will push officials in Tallahassee to prioritize the issue.
“This is a plague killing people all over the country, and politicians aren’t doing anything about it,” Branca said.
Without the backing of well-funded lobbyists, the movement relies on grassroots efforts and public support. Branca remains committed to his cause, hoping increased attention will lead to meaningful legislative change—before more lives are lost to distracted driving.
For more updates on this effort and how you can get involved, stay tuned to News 6.
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