Florida Wants Save Lives With ‘Stupid Motorist Law’

Florida Wants Save Lives With 'Stupid Motorist Law'

Volusia County is considering a law to deter Florida drivers from doing something exceptionally stupid. Like attempting to cross flooded roads during severe weather. It's called the "Stupid Motorist Law," which is not the most creative name, but hey, it gets the point across. According to Yahoo, the law aims to discourage drivers from driving around barriers and getting stuck in floodwaters. This not only puts them at risk but also endangers the poor emergency responders called to rescue them.

Councilman Danny Robins thinks the law is long overdue, especially after seeing so many stranded drivers needing rescue during Hurricane Ian in 2022. At least 15 to 20 cars were stuck in deep water on roads with "do not enter" signs. The proposed law, which will be enforced only during a state of emergency, would allow law enforcement officers to issue fines of up to $2,000 to motorists who disobey road barriers during floods.

Robins believes the law could save lives and taxpayer dollars, especially during the height of the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season.

However, some people in the county think the law is unfair. Niceie Bullock, for instance, thinks the law is absurd and crazy. She argues that drivers should not be fined for getting stuck and needing help. Meanwhile, at-large representative Jake Johansson is concerned about how law enforcement will decide who gets fined and who doesn't. He fears that the law might penalize scared drivers making bad decisions as much as fun-loving, four-wheel-drive teenagers having a blast.

The proposal has been sent back to staff for more research, and if passed, it will likely get a new name, perhaps the "Smart Motorist Law" or the "Don't Be Dumb Law." Either way, it'll be hilarious to watch drivers get fined for doing something incredibly stupid.