View more videos at: http://nbcmiami.com.
You're hurtling down the interstate at 70 mph, or 103 feet per second. Sending or receiving that irresistible text averages more than four seconds, which means you've traveled farther than the length of a football field -- blind.
Texting or talking on a cellphone while driving accounts for more than 100,000 crashes a year nationwide, according to federal statistics. In 2011 there were 3,331 fatalities nationally involving distracted drivers.
"We're going to put a stop to it," state Sen. Maria Sachs vowed Wednesday. "There's going to be no more distracted driving in the state of Florida."
The Delray Beach Democrat announced her sponsorship of a bill in the upcoming Legislature that would outlaw texting or cellphone conversations while driving.
Broward Sheriff Scott Israel, who along with the Florida Sheriff's Association supports the bill, joined Sachs at a demonstration of the effects of distracted driving at Broward College's Institute of Public Safety in Davie.
"It's relevant, it's important, and as sure as we're standing here it's going to save lives," the sheriff said. "Like alcohol and driving, texting and driving doesn't mix."
Sachs' bill would make it a moving violation for drivers to use anything but hands-free devices while behind the wheel. A first offense would result in a $100 fine, with higher penalties for second and third offenses. Driver's license points would not be subtracted.
Sachs said she expects the bill to be well-received by both Democrats and Republicans at this spring's legislative session.
"I don't know anybody who could oppose this, to stop the slaughter that's going on our highways," she said.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, texting while driving makes crashes 23 times more likely. Florida is one of just six states that don't have laws banning texting while driving, the administration said.
In Wednesday's demonstration, Deputy Ian Hunt, driving a navy blue Chevrolet Suburban at 35 mph, attempted to change lanes while texting. He swerved dramatically, knocked down a half dozen traffic cones, and nearly flipped over.
Wayne Boulier, the safety institute's driving instructor, said when drivers text, they're traveling blind and miss precious seconds in reaction time should they need to brake or maneuver out of danger.
"You're losing time, it's time you can't recapture," he said. "What usually happens is you overcompensate, over-steer or under-steer."
Volunteers at the college's driving simulator consistently left the road or crashed when trying to follow instructions while texting.
Sachs said text-free driving is a concept that will, in time, gain traction among drivers. "It's going to take a while to educate people," she said.
Car manufacturers support the concept and are increasingly producing vehicles designed for hands-free communication, Sachs said.
"The whole idea is keep your hands on the wheel," she said.
rnolin@tribune.com or 954-356-4525 ___
(c)2013 the Sun Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.)
Visit the Sun Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) at www.sun-sentinel.com
Distributed by MCT Information Services
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
It's Another Trump-Biden Showdown — And We Need Your Help
The Future Of Democracy Is At Stake
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
Your Loyalty Means The World To Us
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
The 2024 election is heating up, and women's rights, health care, voting rights, and the very future of democracy are all at stake. Donald Trump will face Joe Biden in the most consequential vote of our time. And HuffPost will be there, covering every twist and turn. America's future hangs in the balance. Would you consider contributing to support our journalism and keep it free for all during this critical season?
HuffPost believes news should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay for it. We rely on readers like you to help fund our work. Any contribution you can make — even as little as $2 — goes directly toward supporting the impactful journalism that we will continue to produce this year. Thank you for being part of our story.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
It's official: Donald Trump will face Joe Biden this fall in the presidential election. As we face the most consequential presidential election of our time, HuffPost is committed to bringing you up-to-date, accurate news about the 2024 race. While other outlets have retreated behind paywalls, you can trust our news will stay free.
But we can't do it without your help. Reader funding is one of the key ways we support our newsroom. Would you consider making a donation to help fund our news during this critical time? Your contributions are vital to supporting a free press.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. Would you consider becoming a regular HuffPost contributor?
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. If circumstances have changed since you last contributed, we hope you'll consider contributing to HuffPost once more.
Support HuffPostAlready contributed? Log in to hide these messages.