ORLANDO, Fla. – At News 6, traffic safety isn’t just a topic we cover — it’s a mission we take seriously. Long before I joined the team, one of our own was directly impacted by a traffic incident that changed the course of his life and ultimately helped shape Florida law.
News 6 anchor Matt Austin became a driving force behind strengthening Florida’s texting and driving laws after he was severely injured in a crash caused by a distracted driver. His personal experience ignited a push for change and through years of advocacy and public pressure, Florida took action to make roads safer.
Fast forward to today and while the laws have changed, the reality of enforcement tells a different story. As a law enforcement officer, I can tell you that Florida’s texting and driving laws, while well-intended, are still riddled with loopholes that make them difficult — if not nearly impossible — to enforce effectively.
So, where do we go from here? We’ll discuss:
• The journey to changing Florida’s texting and driving laws
• The challenges officers face in enforcing these laws
• What still needs to change to make Florida’s roads safer
This conversation isn’t just about looking back — it’s about pushing forward. Tune in and be part of the discussion as we explore the future of distracted driving laws in Florida.
Watch the full video at the top of this story.
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