HomeMy WebLinkAboutR-25-03 Cell Phone UseRESOLUTION NO. R-25-03
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF SEBASTIAN, INDIAN
RIVER COUNTY, FLORIDA, SUPPORTING STATE
LEGISLATION REQUIRING HANDS -FREE CELL PHONE
USE WHILE DRIVING; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS;
PROVIDING FOR SCRIVENER'S ERRORS; AND
PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, distracted driving is a leading cause of motor vehicle accidents in the United States,
contributing to thousands of injuries and fatalities each year; and
WHEREAS, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that texting
while driving increases the risk of crashing by 23 times; and
WHEREAS, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), also reports texting
while driving is six times more dangerous than driving under the influence of alcohol
WHEREAS, a study from Cambridge Mobile Telematics 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, Indian River County, Florida, has witnessed an increase in traffic accidents attributed
to distracted driving, affecting the safety of our residents and visitors; 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 accidents 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 BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
SEBASTIAN, FLORIDA, AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. The City Council of the City of Sebastian hereby expresses its strong support for the
legislators of the State of Florida to enact legislation mandating the use of hands -free devices while
driving and the City Council urges the Florida State Legislature to pass such legislation in order to
enhance road safety and protect lives. City Council requests that a copy of this Resolution be forwarded to
the Governor of Florida, the Florida State Legislature, and relevant advocacy groups to demonstrate our
commitment to reducing distracted driving and improving the safety of our roadways.
SECTION 2. CONFLICTS. All Resolutions or parts of Resolutions in conflict herewith are
hereby repealed.
SECTION 3. SCRIVENER'S ERRORS. Sections of this Resolution may be renumbered or re -
lettered and corrections of typographical errors which do not affect the intent may be authorized by the
City Manager, or the City Manager's designee, without need of further action of City Council by filing a
corrected copy of same with the City Clerk.
SECTION 4. EFFECTIVE DATE This Resolution shall take effect upon adoption.
The foregoing Resolution was moved for adoption by Council Member Dodd . Motion
was seconded by Council Member Dixon and, upon being put to a vote, the vote was as
follows:
Mayor Bob McPartlan
ave
Vice -Mayor Fred Jones
aye
Councilmember Kelly Dixon
aye
Councilmember Ed Dodd
aye
Councilmember Christopher Nunn
aye
The Mayor thereupon declared this Resolution duly passed and adopted this 22"d day of January, 2025.
ATTEST:
J#ette Williams, City Clerk
Ely: OF EBASTIAN, FIv RIDrj/
Bob McPartlan, Mayor
Approved as to form and le a ty:
By:
Jen fer t?dckcroft, Cit}�Attomey