Kim Kardashian catches Florida cop texting while driving
Florida is still debating on whether to ban texting while driving. In the last three years, many bills on the issue failed to be approved by state legislators. The Senate Transportation Committee recently approved a ban on exchanging text messages behind the wheel. Violators would receive a minimum fine of $30, but there is still a long way to go before it becomes an official law. In the meantime, people are allowed to use their cell phone in their car. Even cops.
On ‘March 30th, reality TV star Kim Kardashian posted an image on her Twitter account showing a local cop looking down at his cell phone. The caption read: “A cop texting & driving in the car next to us! This disturbs me! What do u guys think?”
She admitted she wasn’t always aware of the dangers of texting while driving.
Texting or using your cell in Florida is NOT illegal…just FYI! I think it should be, I had a scare myself and never will again! I had an awful texting and driving experience, can’t wait to share it with u all one day! Seriously it’s so unsafe and it’s so preventable!!!”
If approved by the Legislature, Florida’s texting while driving ban would take effect on October 1.. Many think this time will be the right one.
“It’s a public safety issue. The intention of this bill is to save lives in Florida by prohibiting texting while driving so we can reduce deaths and accidents,” said Rep. Doug Holder, who lobbied for the bill.
Like Kardashian, Sen. Nancy Detert did not think a texting while driving ban was an important issue, until she had a bad experience.
“I don’t like to legislate personal behavior and I have resisted these types of distracted driving bills over the years, but frankly I’ve gotten hit myself. I think we’ve all seen the effects of texting while driving. They’re changing lanes and they’re a lot worse than drunk drivers.”
Until then, let’s hope no cop will be responsible for a car crash due to texting while driving.
Source: Orlando Sentinel, March 24, 2010; The Famuan, March 28, 2010; Kim Kardashian Twitter account, March 30, 2010
Related posts: