TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — A father is on a mission to see “hands-free’” driving laws in Florida.
Demetrius Branca is making several stops across the state and pressing legislators to pass a hands-free driving law when they return to Tallahassee in March.
Branca has been passionate about fighting for stricter laws and stiffer penalties since his son was killed by a distracted driver in 2014.
On Tuesday, he made spoke at the Pasco County Legislative Delegation meeting.
“I’m a dad from Tallahassee,” Branca said. “I’m on a mission to save lives.”
Branca is ramping up his efforts even more after legislation failed to pass the Senate last year.
“We had a comprehensive hands-free law,” Branca said. “A bill that was going through the House. It was assigned to three committees. It flew through all three with bipartisan, unanimous, unopposed support, but couldn’t get a hearing in the Senate.”
Branca’s son, Anthony, was 19 years old when a distracted driver slammed into his car 10 years ago.