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'Road rage bill' author tries with new name
By ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published January 13, 2007
TALLAHASSEE - Drivers who cruise slowly in the passing lane - backing up traffic and inciting "road rage" in one lawmaker's opinion - would have to move out of the way if his bill that has failed repeatedly becomes law. State Sen. Mike Bennett, R-Bradenton, thinks this time, his "Highway Safety Act" will pass. It would require drivers to move out of the left lane on multilane roads if they are approached from behind by a speedier driver - unless they are passing another car or making a left turn. The bill died in committee in 2004 and 2006, and was vetoed by Gov. Jeb Bush in between. Bennett will meet with new Gov. Charlie Crist next week to talk about his bill. "People have just misunderstood it," Bennett said. "It's not to encourage speeding. It's truly to smooth the flow of traffic. Maybe people won't get quite as frustrated when they're trying to deal with traffic." To smooth its passage, other supporters convinced Bennett that it should be given its new name instead of its old title, the "Road Rage Reduction Act." Current law makes it illegal for drivers to impede traffic, but Bennett said it hasn't been enforced. Under the new bill (SB 536), failure to move over would be counted as one of the offenses that can make up "aggressive careless driving," which carries with it a fine of $100 for the first offense and a penalty of between $250 and $500 for subsequent offenses. The House bill will be sponsored by freshman Rep. Michael Scionti, D-Tampa, Bennett said. Other lawmakers have seen Bennett's proposal as rewarding speeding at the expense of law-abiding citizens. And in his 2005 veto message, Bush said, "The predominate shortcoming of the bill is that it seeks to provide relief for those traveling at high rates of speed, or possessed of emotional intemperance, at the expense of cautious and careful drivers." Ernie Duarte, a spokesman for the Florida Highway Patrol, hadn't seen the bill and wouldn't comment Friday.
[Last modified January 13, 2007, 01:42:11]
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by Mary
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01/13/07 04:01 PM
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Have faith in our traffic enforcement officers, they will ticket the speeder when appropriate. I support this bill, as I have been, many times, on a 2-lane road behind somoene doing 10-15 mph below limit & watched as drivers endanger others to pass.
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by Cheryl
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01/13/07 02:04 PM
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This is only common sense and common courtesy for slower drivers to drive in the farthest right lane, unless making a left turn or passing another vehicle. Slower drivers have no right to play traffic cops. This should be law in all 50 states.
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by Bill
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01/13/07 10:41 AM
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I fail to see how driving he speed limit in any lane could be construed impeding traffic. I don't believe we need laws which could be used to justify breaking existing ones. Mr Bennett & Mr Scionti obviously have too much time on their hands.
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by F
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01/13/07 10:33 AM
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I can't help but wonder if this will only freak out elderly or new drivers. On US 19 you often have to make a left hand turn, should they wait til the last minute to get over? That is less safe.
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by speed demon
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01/13/07 10:30 AM
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WTH! Arkansas has had that bill for years...I am suprised it has taken us this long to get smart with traffic flow...I mean, if Ark can do..we sure the hell can!!!
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by JOE
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01/13/07 06:20 AM
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GIVE A SPEEDING TICKET TO THE SPEED DEMON AND GIVE A RECKLESS DRIVING TICKET TO THE ROADHOG. MAKE MORE MONEY IN THE STATES BANK.
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