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Many know the dangers of texting behind the wheel but in Florida, there’s nothing stopping you from doing it if you’re following every other traffic law. As Matt Galka tells us, a new push to crack down on the crime now has some Republicans taking the wheel on the issue.

A texting while driving simulator was on full display in Florida’s capitol Tuesday trying to drive home the point about the potential fatal consequences of messaging or emailing behind the wheel.

Lawmakers renewed a push to make texting while driving a primary offense in the state.  It’s only a secondary offense now, which means a cop can watch you text behind the wheel but can’t pull you over.

Patricia Viccaro lost her son when he was hit by a driver who was texting behind the wheel. She’s pleading for stiffer penalties.

“My son’s life is worth more than a $30 dollar fine. Having this law as a secondary offense is not supporting our law enforcement to do their job. They can see someone on their phones without having any legal right to stop them,” she said.

Making texting while driving a primary offense has been led by Democrats in the past but Republicans have the bill in both the House and Senate.

Representative Keith Perry (R-Gainesville) said he almost didn’t take the bill.

“We all do it, and I text and drive. I do it rarely but I find myself doing that. It was a debate for me whether or not I wanted to take the bill on,” he said.

But he’s hopeful it can pass with Republican backing.

“It’s so important and if I get a ticket, then I get a ticket, I need one and I deserve one,” said Rep. Perry.

Only 1800 citations were given out last year in Florida for texting while driving as a secondary offense.

The bill has been filed in both the House and Senate but has yet to be scheduled for a hearing. Only five states, including Florida, list texting while driving as a secondary offense.