VOLUSIA LAW FIRM, CAR DEALERSHIP AND LOCAL NEWS CHANNEL PARTNER FOR A FIVE-DAY ANTI-TEXTING PROGRAM FOR LOCAL HIGH SCHOOLS

VOLUSIA COUNTY, FL – To help educate student drivers about the newly created anti-texting and driving law, the law firm of Rue, Ziffra & Caldwell in Port Orange, Gary Yeoman’s Ford Lincoln and WESH 2 will for the third time sponsor a week of simulated texting and driving at five local high schools. The businesses have become regular partners since funding the first of three simulated texting sessions beginning in 2012. Since then, more than 10,000 students have learned first-hand the dangers of texting while driving, according to Carlos Lira√, general manager at Gary Yeoman’s. “While each of the sessions we’ve held has been important for students, next month’s will be of even greater importance, as it now is illegal to text while driving,” Lira said. The new law, which went into effect Oct. 1, provides that drivers caught texting behind the wheel now can be issued a $30 fine for their first offense, and $60 for any others, according to Allan L. Ziffra√, president of the personal-injury firm. “The driver can be cited only if they are stopped for another traffic violation, such as speeding,” Ziffra said, “as texting while driving is considered a secondary offense and the law only applies when the vehicle is moving.” The Nov. 4 through 8 training program puts students in the driver’s seat behind a state-of-the-art, hands-on texting and driving simulator. As many as 5,000 local students are expected to use the equipment this year. Presented free of charge, the “Text Free Zone” campaign will begin Nov. 4 at Spruce Creek High in Port Orange, followed by DeLand High on Nov. 5, Matanzas High in Palm Coast on Nov. 6, University High in Orange City on Nov. 7 and New Smyrna Beach High on Nov. 8. National statistics show that about 50 percent of drivers between the ages of 18 and 24 text while driving. Data compiled from simulated sessions throughout the United States showed that nearly all of those who got behind the simulator’s wheel failed after speeding, swerving and sometimes even striking simulated pedestrians while trying to send a text. “In our line of work, we see too many reports of teen-age drivers who injure themselves or others while texting,” Ziffra said. “Because of these statistics, we enthusiastically support this program.” For more information, please visit www.rueziffra.com/pledge-don’t-text-and-drive or call 386-788-7700. About Rue, Ziffra & Caldwell: Founded by John D. Rue and Allan L. Ziffra, the personal-injury law firm of Rue & Ziffra has served the Central Florida community for more than 25 years. The firm’s commitment to its profession and its clients has earned it a reputation as one of the top personal-injury law firms in Central Florida. Known for handling everything from automobile and motorcycle accidents to medical malpractice, wrongful death, and social security and disability cases, Rue & Ziffra has recovered millions of dollars for injured clients and their families. With a staff of nine attorneys, the firm maintains offices in Port Orange, DeLand and Palm Coast. For more information, visit www.rueziffra.com.