COLLIER COUNTY, Fla. -- A Naples-based bicycling group wants Florida lawmakers to make texting behind the wheel a more serious crime.
"Florida is the number one state in the nation in bicycle and pedestrian crashes and fatalities," said Beth Brainard, head of the Naples Pathways Coalition, a group that advocates bicycle safety.
She says texting while driving contributes to those statistics.
She wants lawmakers to hit violators with a $1,000 fine. Currently, drivers are only cited if they are pulled over for another violation.
"When you're texting while driving you are six times more likely to get into an accident than someone who's drinking," said Brainard.
Rob Viggorito bikes around 200 miles a week, and he sees plenty of people texting along his route.
"I'd say two or three (times), and if they are not texting, they are on the phone, or they are turning around, talking to their kids in the van."
Representative-Elect Byron Donalds said he would consider such a law, but would want to examine it more carefully.
Some drivers aren't so sure.
"I don't think we need a law for texting and driving," said Bill Bradley, "Except if it means we do things on a sensible basis, nobody should be texting and driving."
Senator-Elect Kathleen Passidomo says she's worried how law enforcement would enforce tougher texting laws. She told Fox 4 she would be in favor of steep fines for those who cause accidents from texting behind the wheel.
