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Speaker urges Nassau County to back hands-free driving resolution after son's death
Summary
Demetrius Branca, a member of the Florida Hands Free Coalition, urged commissioners to adopt a resolution supporting a statewide hands-free driving law. He said hands-free laws elsewhere have reduced traffic fatalities and described personal loss in a crash involving a distracted driver.
Demetrius Branca told the Nassau County Board of County Commissioners on Feb. 19 that he is asking the board to adopt a resolution supporting a statewide hands-free driving law that would require drivers to put down mobile devices while driving.
Branca, who identified himself as a member of the Florida Hands Free Coalition, said the group includes pedestrian and bicycle advocates, law enforcement and other organizations. He said other states with hands-free laws have seen reductions in traffic fatalities "by up to 25%." He urged the commission to adopt a resolution to help save lives statewide.
Branca described the death of his son, Anthony, who he said was struck and killed by a driver who "knew better than to look at his cell phone and did so anyway." Branca said his advocacy has included work in the state legislature and with county commissions around Florida; he said a hands-free bill passed in the state House in 2024 but did not pass the Senate.
A commissioner asked whether Branca had contacted local legislators, specifically Representative Black and Senator Yarborough. Branca said he had reached out to legislators and would provide a draft resolution; the commissioner said they would review the material and follow up.
The board did not take action on the request during the Feb. 19 meeting; the item was presented as public comment.
