Every day, thousands of drivers use their phones and other mobile devices on the road - resulting in moments of distraction that may mark the difference between life and death. Especially in the case of semi trucks and trailers, the potential for damage is huge.
In January 2008, 26-year-old Heather Hurd was traveling with her fiance on U.S. 192 in Polk County, Florida. The couple was tying up loose ends and finalizing plans for their wedding. They proceeded down Florida's congested roads, hurrying to get things done.
At the same time, a semi truck driver was barreling down the road in Polk County. Unfortunately, he picked the wrong stretch of highway to take his eyes off the road when he decided to text while driving. He sped through a red light, causing a 10 car pileup and killing Heather Hurd. As a result, wedding plans became funeral arrangements and distracted driving claimed another victim.
Every day, thousands of drivers use thei
r phones and other mobile devices on the road - resulting in moments of distraction that may mark the difference between life and death. Especially in the case of semi trucks and trailers, the potential for damage is huge. A crash between two vehicles is never pretty, but when a semi truck is involved, the results can be devastating.
Earlier this year, the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute released the results of a study demonstrating that truckers were 23 times more likely to crash when they were texting behind the wheel than when not. This was followed by Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood's declaration that, if up to him, texting behind the wheel would be illegal in every state.
He is not alone in his concern.
In September, the White House hosted a summit on distracted driving, where Secretary LaHood cautioned that distracted driving was fast becoming the new drunk driving. In late September, President Obama signed an executive order banning federal employees from texting behind the wheel.
At present Florida does not ban mobile use in the car. However, after three unsuccessful attempts at creating restrictions, proponents of Senate Bill 244 hope that this will change in the next legislative session. Known as "Heather's Law" after the tragic death of Heather Hurd, the bill would ban cell phone use without a hands-free headset.
In the past, the bill's sponsor, Senator Frederica Wilson from Miami Gardens has met with opposition and disinterest. However, with national attention focused on the dangers of driving and texting, things seem poised to change.
In addition to the increasing number of states passing or considering mobile restrictions, this year also saw the introduction of the "ALERT Drivers" Act in the U.S. Senate. The bill would penalize states that do not restrict texting or e-mailing behind the wheel.
Not everyone is on the same page. Semi truck drivers argue that mobile devices are necessary in an industry where seconds, literally, cost money. Others are simply unwilling to modify their behavior.
It remains to be seen whether "Heather's Law" will finally introduce consequences to Florida's texting truckers and drivers.
