OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. – Osceola County leaders are calling for tougher distracted driving laws, formally backing a bill moving through the Florida Senate that would make the state hands-free.
The Florida hands-free driving law would ban handheld phone use behind the wheel, aiming to reduce crashes caused by distracted drivers. Osceola County commissioners recently approved a resolution urging state lawmakers to pass the bill.
Many Osceola County residents support the proposed law, citing personal experiences with dangerous distracted drivers.
Nancy Nelson, an Osceola County resident, shared how a distracted driver totaled her husband’s car while they were on the way to an Orlando Magic game.
“It’s something that you think is just going to be a split second to look at your phone, but in that split second, you could be in an accident. It’s just not worth it.”
Ilya Jacobs, another local resident, emphasized how Osceola’s heavy tourist traffic makes staying focused even more critical.
“You have to keep an eye out, not just for yourself, but for other drivers. Keeping completely focused on the road is super important.”
For News 6 anchor Matt Austin, the issue is personal. He was seriously injured by a distracted driver and has since advocated for stronger laws. He teamed up with Demetrius Branca, who lost his son to a distracted driver.
Branca continues pushing for action, saying:
“This is a plague killing people all over the country, and our politicians aren’t really doing anything about it.”
The bill, sponsored by Sen. Erin Grall, has bipartisan support and could take effect July 1st if passed. Osceola leaders say the time for action is now.
To learn more about Osceola’s resolution and Matt Austin’s push for change, click here.
