Distracted Driving Remains Threat on Jacksonville Roads

Despite 2019 hands-free law, police say dangerous habit persists

Apr. 15, 2026 at 5:02pm

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An extreme close-up of a cracked smartphone screen, the harsh flash illuminating the fragmented glass and conceptually representing the dangers of distracted driving.A shattered smartphone screen reflects the harsh reality of distracted driving, which continues to endanger lives on Jacksonville's roads.Today in Jacksonville

Despite a 2019 Florida law banning handheld phone use while driving, distracted driving remains a persistent problem on the roads of Jacksonville, according to local law enforcement. Police say they continue to observe many drivers looking at their phones instead of the road, creating a serious safety risk.

Why it matters

Distracted driving is a leading cause of accidents and fatalities, and the 2019 hands-free law was intended to curb this dangerous behavior. However, the continued prevalence of drivers using phones behind the wheel suggests the law has not been fully effective, putting all road users at risk.

The details

The 2019 Florida law prohibits drivers from holding a phone while operating a vehicle, requiring them to use hands-free technology instead. However, police report that many drivers continue to ignore the law, often glancing down at their phones while driving. This distracted behavior can lead to accidents, injuries, and even deaths on Jacksonville's roads.

  • Florida passed the hands-free driving law in 2019.
  • Police continue to observe distracted driving incidents on Jacksonville roads.

The players

Florida

The state that passed a hands-free driving law in 2019 to curb distracted driving.

Jacksonville Police

Law enforcement in Jacksonville, Florida who report that distracted driving remains a persistent problem despite the 2019 law.

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The takeaway

The continued prevalence of distracted driving in Jacksonville, despite the 2019 hands-free law, highlights the challenge of changing driver behavior and the need for ongoing education, enforcement, and potentially even stricter regulations to improve road safety.