Drivers have one responsibility in a school zone: to slow down. It's the law.
State Representative Irv Slosberg would like to get drivers off their cell phones in school zones as well.
He's submitted legislation to make talking on a mobile communication device in a school zone a primary offense. That means that, unlike the current texting and driving law, police could pull you over for it.
Michael Bessette, Associate Superintendent for the Pinellas County Schools, said distracted driving has been a part of their safety committee meetings for years.
"We don't want them talking and texting on their phone when they're in our pick-up line, because it's the same thing," Bessette said. "Somebody's distracted, kids are cutting through a parking lot and they roll in or look up and do the thing. I would say the same thing would apply to our school zones."
In 2012, Representative Franklin Sands of Weston introduced House Bill 783. It also banned talking on cell phones in school zones. That bill died in a sub-committee.
Even with a slim chance of passage, Slosberg said he's going to keep trying. He mentions it took many years to pass seat belt and texting laws. He's willing to go the distance with this cause as well.
Irv Slosberg created the Dori Slosberg Foundation to educate the Public about the importance of traffic safety. Slosberg is the primary sponsor of FL HB 5 relating to traffic safety. Related to HB 5 is SB 0352 relating to use of wireless communication devices.