Tarpon Springs Patch Readers Show Support for Ban on Texting While Driving

In a report published on Monday, the idea of banning texting while driving in the state of Florida was brought to light. 

Currently, 39 other states enforce a no texting while driving ban.

On the Tarpon Springs Patch Facebook page, readers commented in support of the band:

"I didn't realize this wasn't already the law. I think they should go ahead and institute a handsfree-only law for cellphones as well. Too many people die because of distracted drivers..." -Thomas Andrew

"Texting while behind the wheel of a running motor vehicle should defintiely be banned. Notice I didn't say texting while driving, as, from what I have seen on the roads, if one is texting, or reading a text, one is NOT operating their car. Cell phone calls should be completely hands free, meaning you don't even dial it, voice dial only. Reading a book or newspaper should also be banned behind the wheel. I notice so many people here do not signal turns or lane changes and one reason, besides just being rude, is that they haven't a free hand to hit the switch." -Nancy Long-Stiner 

 "The sad thing is that this girl just finished flipping her car, LOL! seriously though, I was driving near my sons school not too long ago & someone was texting while WALKING & walked right out in front of my truck!! INCREDIBLE! Thank god i was driving very slow.Either I wait until I get to my destination or, if it's very important, I'll pull over." -Petros & Mercy Haldoupis

"It's a life or death situation. Someone can always pull over to answer a call or a text, but to bring a dead person back to life is impossible. As a cyclist who has ridden in MANY other places in this country and world, I've never seen such distracted drivers as I do in Florida. The insurance rates are the highest in the nation. When will we make the logical connection between our 'in car distractions' and all the accidents and tragic losses of life? I'd like to see cell phone records being examined after every accident. I'd bet at least 80% were from texting or talking on the phone." -Denise Mannino 

Are you in favor of such a law in Florida? Do you think it goes too far, or not far enough? Should cell phone calls or other forms of distracted driving also be banned? Post a comment below.