Headline Surfer photo by Serafina Frederick / The ban on texting while driving on the beach as shown here in New Smyrna Beach may be expanded to all Volusia County roadways. The topic was broached Thursday by the County Council.DELAND -- Volusia County's elected leaders are steadfastly in favor of a countywide ban on texting while driving for all motorists on roadways, including the 16 cities and towns, in addition to the unicorporated areas.
p>The County Council earlier this year adopted such a ban for motorists driving on the county's beaches.
"I certainly think there's no reason not to do that," council member Pat Northey said of pushing for a county ordinance with the municipalities included.
County Chair Frank Bruno suggested a resolution be drafted that would show the county's support before asking the 16 cities and towns to follow through with on roads under their control.
"At least our voices will be known, council member Joyce Cusack said. County Attorney Dan Eckert said such an ordinance would have to be uniform throughout Volusia County.
Florida legislators have discussed banning texting while driving, but that's as far as it has gotten.
The texting ban was part of safety-related measures last spring that also require drivers to keep their headlights on and to have at least their driver's side window down to be more alert to their surroundings with beachgers darting in and out of traffic, especially small children.
Motorists are not allowed to drive faster than 10 mph on the beach and to yield to those crossing between parked vehicles to the west of the driving lanes and the water's edge.
Three beach-driving areas have since been limited to one-way traffic going south: Granada Boulevard to Cardinal Drive in Ormond Beach, University Boulevard to Seabreeze Boulevard in Daytona Beach; and International Speedway Boulevard to Silver Beach Avenue, also in Daytona Beach.
Parking is also banned on the beach in front of Sunsplash Park in Daytona Beach and Frank Rendon Park in Daytona Beach Shores.
Driving is allowed on 17 miles of the 40 miles of county beaches. Five people have been killed in beach-driving accidents since 1987, including two toddlers two years ago in Daytona Beach and New Smyrna Beach. In both cases, the drivers were found not to be at fault.
None of the beach driving deaths were attributed to texting by motorists.