Agenda 11/12/2024 Item #10A (Resolution - They Board's strong support for legislation to mandate the use of hands-free devices while driving)11/12/2024
Item # 10.A
ID# 2024-1948
Executive Summary
Recommendation that the Board of County Commissioners of Collier County, Florida, adopt the proposed Resolution
expressing the Board’s strong support for legislation mandating the use of hands-free devices while driving, and urges
the Florida State Legislature to pass such legislation to enhance road safety and protect lives.
OBJECTIVE: To make the roads safer to drive in Collier County.
CONSIDERATIONS: The proposed resolution states as follows:
WHEREAS, distracted driving is a leading cause of motor vehicle crashes in the United States, contributing to
thousands of injuries and fatalities each year; and
WHEREAS, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that phone interaction while driving
increases the risk of crashing by 23 times; and
WHEREAS, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), also reports phone interaction 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, Collier County, Florida, has witnessed an increase in traffic crashes attributed to distracted driving,
affecting the safety of men, women, and children who reside in and visit the county; 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 crashes 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 that the Board of County Commissioners of Collier County, Florida, 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 enhance road safety and protect lives, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk is hereby directed to forward a copy of this resolution to the Governor of
Florida and the Florida State Legislature to demonstrate our commitment to reducing distracted driving and improving
the safety of our roadways.
FISCAL IMPACT: None.
GROWTH MANAGEMENT IMPACT: None.
LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS: This item has been reviewed by the County Attorney, raises no legal issues at this time
and requires majority vote for approval. -JAK
RECOMMENDATIONS: That the Board of County Commissioners of Collier County, Florida, adopt the proposed
Resolution expressing the Board’s strong support for legislation mandating the use of hands-free devices while driving,
and urges the Florida State Legislature to pass such legislation to enhance road safety and protect lives.
PREPARED BY: Chris Hall, Commissioner, District 2
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Resolution - hands free phone use while driving
Page 471 of 5419
Page 472 of 5419
Page 473 of 5419