“Drug and alcohol abuse tests”: Florida is implementing tough rules and requirements for a driving license under new law
Florida – Thanks to a new law signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis few days ago, anybody in Florida who want a driver’s license or learner’s permit will soon have to meet a higher standard. The measure, which is part of SB 994, will modify how new drivers get on the road in all parts of the state.
Anyone 18 or older who wants to get a Florida driver’s license will now have to take a class that covers both traffic regulations and drug and alcohol abuse. Before they can drive, people who want to get a learner’s permit must also pass a safety course for driver’s education. The goal is to help drivers get ready for the risks and reality of driving.
The changes stem from bipartisan support in the Florida Legislature. Senator Jay Collins spearheaded the charge in the Senate, and Representative Michelle Salzman led a similar effort in the House. During the legislative session, Collins stressed that the goal was to improve driver education so that new drivers, whether they are teenagers or young adults, have a better understanding of the rules of the road and the risks of reckless driving or while impaired.
Most lawmakers felt that something needed to be done. The law passed the Senate with a resounding 33-0 vote and the House was just as excited, passing it 112-0. The broad support shows that individuals are becoming more worried about Florida’s performance on road safety.
Statistics help paint the picture. Recent findings highlighted in a USA Today report show Florida is home to three cities—Jacksonville, Tampa, and Miami—that rank among the top 20 in the nation for traffic fatalities per 100,000 people over a five-year span. Jacksonville, for instance, had the fifth highest rate of mortality, with more than 16 deaths per 100,000 people.
The I-95 roadway between the I-595 interchange and Marina Mile Boulevard in Broward County has been singled out as being very dangerous. From 2000 to 2019, there were 24 deaths on this one mile, making it the deadliest mile in the whole country and nearly 50 times more dangerous than an ordinary stretch of highway.
Supporters of the new rule hope that by making drivers learn more before getting a license or permit, the numbers in the future would look a little different and Florida roadways might be a little bit safer. The law enters into effect on July 1, which gives those who want to drive and their families a little time to get used to the new rules.
