School Zones Are Hands-Free Zones

An image of a cellphone crossed out. The text reads "No text. No call. Nothing is worth losing a life over."

 

As children return to school this month, it is an excellent time to remember the importance of driving free of distractions. The use of mobile devices while driving provides a visual, manual, and cognitive distraction that puts yourself, other drivers, and pedestrians at heightened risk.

In Florida, mobile device use is not allowed in designated school crossings, school zones, or active work zones unless used in a hands-free manner. This includes cellphones, tablets, laptops, and other wireless devices.

The Florida Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) recommends the following tips for safe driving with a cellphone:

  1. Make driving, not your cellphone, your priority.
  2. Avoid phone calls while driving unless absolutely essential.
  3. If you need to make a phone call while driving, pull over.
  4. If a phone call while driving is essential, use hands-free features such as voice commands.
  5. Keep phone calls while driving brief.
  6. Never use a cellphone while driving if traffic or weather conditions are severe.

Help keep our children safe and remember that school zones are hands-free zones. For more information please visit the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Website.

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