TEXTING AND DRIVING The New LawThat Aims for Change
officer sees a person texting or on the phone while operating a moving vehicle, they have the right to stop that vehicle. Additionally, starting on Oct. 1, drivers are prohibited to hold a wireless device for any reason while entering or driving through a construction zone or school zone. Law enforcement will be handing out warnings up until Jan. 1, 2020. THE FINES THEY FACE A first stop offense warrants a $30 fine, but with additional surcharges and court costs, it can increase to well over $100. If a driver is charged with a second offense, the fine is raised to $60 in addition to other charges. Points against your driving record won’t be applicable to first-time offenders, but three points will be added for the second offense. A driver who uses their phone while driving through a construction zone or school zone will be immediately fined $169 and three points. In addition to these fines, drivers will face a steep increase in their insurance payments each month.
Safe driving is attentive driving, and you can’t be attentive if you’re not paying attention. No one can predict what will happen once they get into their car; a vehicle may cut in front of you or stop short. Situations like these require a driver’s complete focus to act accordingly, but if a person is using their phone while driving, their attention is going to be split. Texting and driving has become a serious problem within the U.S.; the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration states that distracted drivers caused almost 8.5% of all fatalities in 2017. To counter the problem, nearly all states have created laws that put severe fines on individuals who are caught texting and driving, including Florida. As of Jan. 1, 2020, Floridian drivers can be stopped for texting or use of phone while driving. THE NEW LAW On July 1, 2019, Florida officially marked texting and driving a primary offense. This means that if a police
Texting and driving is never a good idea, and now Florida aims to reduce the number of people who engage in this dangerous behavior. The objective of this law is not to take rights away from people, but, as the statute states, to “improve roadway safety for all vehicle operators, vehicle passengers, bicyclists, pedestrians, and other road users.”
Laugh Out Loud
Roasted Corn Salsa Ingredients
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1 large tomato, cored, seeded, and finely chopped
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2 medium ears of corn, shucked
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1 jalapeño or Fresno chile, seeded and thinly sliced
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1/4 bunch cilantro leaves, sliced
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Juice of 1 lime
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1/2 red onion, diced
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Kosher salt, to taste
Directions
4. Add jalapeño, onion, tomato, and cilantro. Mix to combine. 5. Top with lime juice and season with salt. 6. Serve alongside your favorite tortilla chips.
1. Heat a cast-iron skillet to high. Char corn, turning occasionally, for 10–14 minutes until kernels begin to blacken in spots. 2. Using a sharp knife, remove corn kernels from cobs and transfer to a large mixing bowl. 3. With a wooden spoon or potato masher, gently crush corn to release starch and juices.
Inspired by Bon Appétit magazine
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