Wayne Hogan Discusses Distracted Driving Dangers with Downtown Professional Business Group

Wayne Hogan, Michael Cobb and Matt Carlucci
Wayne Hogan, Michael Cobb and Matt Carlucci

Wayne Hogan recently spoke to the Downtown Business Professional Group on the dangers of distracted driving.

Hogan stressed that our only job behind the wheel is to drive, to get from point A to point B safely. Research proves our brains actually switch from one task to the other, meaning that with phones and driving, we get tunnel vision and miss important visual cues. The brain focuses on the call, not on the driving. Brain distraction is essentially brain blindness; the eye sees but the brain doesn’t perceive. Studies suggests driving while on the phone, even hands-free, carries the same crash risk as driving drunk.

Florida’s Anti-Texting Law

In Florida, texting and driving is a primary offense: officers can stop drivers who text. The first violation carries a $30 fine, and the second a $60 fine, but court costs are added, so it’s not just the fine that’s paid. Unwisely, the law appears to let drivers text while sitting stopped in traffic; that’s still careless driving though, and texters stopped at the light who don’t see the light change will get clobbered from behind. The law does allow drivers to use their phone using hands-free devices, which are required for any kind of use in school zones and work zones. The state is planning an educational campaign and to issue warnings through year’s end. The law took effect on July 1, 2019 and ticketing will start January 1, 2020.

The stakes are higher for businesses whose employees cause an accident while talking, texting or using a cell phone while driving, while they are in the course and scope of employment.  Drivers across the country are facing criminal charges when texting while driving claims a life. Listeners were encouraged to power down their phones and concentrate on the number one job they have behind the wheel: driving.

The Downtown Professional Business Group

The Downtown Professional Business Group is a networking organization that thrives on connecting professionals and leaders in the community. “It’s an ideal environment to build meaningful connections and make an impact in Jacksonville” founder and CEO, Michael Cobb, says “Downtown Professional Business Group was created to give new, existing and established businesses owners and representatives the opportunity to meet key business and political leaders in Jacksonville.”

Because One Text or Call Can Wreck it All

One text or call can wreck it all. With the goal of help making our roadways safer, Terrell • Hogan began offering free Distracted Driving Awareness presentations to students and adult drivers, and to company and non-profit policy-makers, in 2012. So far, nearly 11,000 people on the First Coast have been reached. To request a complimentary presentation for your high school or business or civic group, call (904) 722-2228.

New Car Technology and Distracted Driving

Distracted Driving Awareness Campaign for the Workforce

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About The Author

Laura Hack

Laura Hack

Laura Hack is a paralegal with Terrell • Hogan. She has been with the firm since 1996 and has worked primarily for Wayne Hogan. She is an experienced Paralegal with 30+ years of working in the law practice industry. Skilled in Appeals, Civil Trial Litigation Support, Torts, Trial Practice, and Pleadings.