HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-005RESOLUTION NO.: 2025- 005
A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS OF INDIAN RIVER COUNTY,
FLORIDA, IN SUPPORT OF LEGISLATION REQUIRING
HANDS-FREE CELL PHONE USE WHILE DRIVING
WHEREAS, distracted driving is a leading cause of motor vehicle accidents in the United
States, contributing to thousands of injuries and fatalities each year; and
WHEREAS, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that
texting while driving increases the risk of crashing by 23 times; and
WHEREAS, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), also reports
texting while driving is six times more dangerous than driving under the influence of alcohol; and
WHEREAS, a study from Cambridge Mobile Telemetics reported an increase in screen
interaction time while driving of 17.8% from 2020 to 2023; and
WHEREAS, the use of handheld devices while driving significantly impairs a driver's
ability to safely operate a vehicle, diverting attention from the road and increasing reaction times;
and
WHEREAS, according to an analysis in the 2024 Indian River County Bicycle &
Pedestrian Master Plan, the number of traffic crashes involving bicycles and pedestrians more than
doubled and the number of traffic crashes involving fatalities more than tripled during the years
2017-2021 in comparison to the previous five-year period; and
WHEREAS, implementing hands-free cell phone use legislation can reduce the incidence
of distracted driving, promoting safer roadways for all; and
WHEREAS, 31 states have successfully enacted hands-free laws, resulting in a
measurable decrease in accidents related to distracted driving; and
WHEREAS, it is the responsibility of our local government to advocate for the safety and
well-being of our community;
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS OF INDIAN RIVER COUNTY, FLORIDA THAT:
1. The Board hereby expresses its strong support for legislation mandating the use of
hands-free devices while driving and urges the Florida State Legislature to pass such legislation to
RESOLUTION NO.: 2025- 005
enhance road safety and protect lives. Staff is hereby directed to forward a copy of this Resolution
to the Governor of Florida, Florida State Senator Grall and State Representative Robert Brackett.
2. This Resolution shall be effective upon adoption.
3. The foregoing resolution was moved for adoption by Commissioner Noss
and seconded by Commissioner Adam , and, upon being put to a vote, the vote was
as follows:
Chairman Joseph E. Flescher
AYE
Vice -Chairman Deryl Loar
AYE
Commissioner Susan Adams
AYE
Commissioner Joseph H. Earman
AYE
Commissioner Laura Moss
AYE
The Chairman thereupon declared the resolution duly passed and adopted this 280' day of
January, 2025.
ATTEST: Ryan L. Butler, Clerk of Court
and Comp Her BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISS
OF INDIAN RIVER COUNTY, FI
By: � O(i✓
Deputy Clerk
By:
sev E. Ileschdf. Chairman
Approved as to form and legal sufficiency:
(SEAL)
S"/ By: C�
fifer Ak. Shuler, County Attorney