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Sebastian council backs resolution supporting statewide hands‑free driving law
Summary
The City of Sebastian unanimously passed Resolution R-25-3 to support state legislation requiring hands‑free cell phone use while driving after a presentation by Bike Walk Indian River County.
The City of Sebastian City Council on Jan. 22 unanimously approved Resolution R‑25‑3 expressing the city’s support for state legislation that would require hands‑free cell phone use while driving.
Bike Walk Indian River County board member Bob Adler urged the council to support the measure, telling members he narrowly avoided a serious crash when another driver ran a light while on a phone call. “...a lady was on the phone with her babysitter, just went right through at 35 miles an hour and tore the front of my car,” Adler said. “Fortunately I hit the brake. Otherwise, I’d be dead and quite possibly my wife.”
The resolution is a nonbinding expression of support for pending state legislation. Adler said the resolution mirrors templates used by other municipalities in Florida and that his town, Indian River Shores, has already passed a similar measure.
Council members discussed whether the law should also explicitly apply to people riding bicycles; Adler and other council members noted Florida statutes already classify bicycles as vehicles and confer the rights and duties of vehicle operators to bicyclists. No change to the draft resolution was proposed.
The council approved the resolution by roll call: Council member Dixon — yes; Council member Dodd — yes; Council member Nunn — yes; Mayor McPartland — yes; Vice Mayor Jones — yes. The motion carried.
