As with many things, it would seem that TWD bans are rosier in theory than in practice. Laws prohibiting distracted driving are extremely difficult to enforce. Moreover, some states, including Florida, make such infractions a “secondary offense,” meaning a driver would need to first be pulled over for some other violation, such as careless driving. Even then, under SB-52, a first offense would equate to a fee of about $30, plus court costs. Is that enough of a deterrent to make Florida's roads safer? What about concomitant “distracted” behaviors?

Texting While Biking

Two recent encounters got me thinking about other distracted behaviors, such as texting while operating a bicycle. The first incident happened over Memorial Day weekend when I threw caution (and Claritin-D) to the wind to venture out to a local five-mile trail. You see, I have a complicated relationship with nature, having been declared by my doctor as “a very allergic person.” In any case, after swallowing approximately 15 gnats, around mile two, I felt alive. Free. Wind blowing in my face, my euphoria was short-lived, first interrupted by a runny nose and sore throat. Then by a teenager who, oblivious to my presence on the trail, furiously texted while awkwardly (slowly) peddling his bicycle. My shriek proved futile, and in order to avoid a low-speed, head-on collision, I veered off the trail and into a bed of allergens, err, grass.

Alas, he didn't seem to notice. On my way home, a teen swerved in front of my car, forcing an abrupt stop to avoid what I feared would have been a far more serious accident. This kid was also distracted; it became apparent he was not only texting while riding his bicycle but also listening to music via clunky headphones, perhaps of the noise-cancelling or base-heavy variety.

Really? I mean, really? Was this some sort of cosmic coincidence, or a sign that I'm morphing into a female version of Andy Rooney?

Well, we may never know. One thing I do know, however, is that Gov. Scott's decision to sign the new bill into law at a Miami high school auditorium full of teens is a step in the right direction. That, and we're all in for a bumpy ride.

“The 100 days between Memorial Day and Labor Day are known as the deadliest days on the road for teenagers,” Gov. Scott said on Tuesday. “We must do everything we can at the state level to keep our teenagers and everyone on our roads safe. I cannot think of a better time to officially sign this bill into law.”