Florida's proposed 'no touch' law aims to curb distracted driving

A new bill could soon change how drivers use their phones in Florida. Lawmakers are considering a "No Touch" law, which would ban drivers from holding their phones while driving.

Currently, Florida law prohibits texting while driving, but this new proposal would go further. The "No Touch" law would make it illegal for drivers to hold their phones at all while operating a vehicle. This includes holding the phone to talk, scrolling, and using the internet.

Steve Kiefer, chairman of the Kiefer Foundation, lost his son Mitchel to distracted driving nearly 10 years ago.

"Mitchel was killed by a distracted driver 10 years ago on September 19," said Kiefer.

Kiefer shared the tragic details of the incident.

"He was driving up on a beautiful Monday morning. Traffic slowed down. He slowed down, and unfortunately, the young lady behind him did not so she rear-ended him. He was driven across the strip of grass into oncoming traffic, where a large truck hit him and killed him instantly," said Kiefer.

Since then, Kiefer has been advocating for hands-free laws in the state.

"About a week after we buried him, I was actually sitting graveside, thinking, I've got to do something so that this doesn't happen to other families," said Kiefer.

The proposed "No Touch" law is currently moving through the legislative process as Senate Bill 1152 and House Bill 1241. Supporters of the bill say distracted driving remains a significant issue in Florida, and they believe stronger rules could help prevent crashes.

"I think so many of us are guilty of this behavior, and I think so many people believe that it just can never happen to them," said Melissa Hamrick of the Florida Hands Free Coalition.

According to the Lee County Sheriff's Office, just under 700 drivers received a citation or warning for distracted and careless driving last year. Additionally, more than 250 drivers were cited or warned for using a handheld device while driving.

"We welcome the addition of enhanced texting and driving laws and appreciate the Legislature’s efforts to address distracted driving. While the proposed 'No Touch' law would expand current restrictions, it reinforces the Lee County Sheriff’s Office’s ongoing efforts to address distracted driving," said Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno.

Kiefer emphasized the urgency of the matter.

"Allowing 10 people to die every day in Florida on the roads is just unacceptable, and this law has been proven now in 33 states, it will save 20% of the lives. So get out, call your legislators, and make sure that this cycle we get hands-free Florida passed," said Kiefer.

The proposed "No Touch" bill is still progressing through the Florida Legislature. If it passes and is signed into law, drivers could see changes by October 1.