LAKE MARY, Fla. – A Central Florida artist inspired by the News 6 Driving Change initiative has placed "don't text and drive" signs featuring celebrities and TV characters along Interstate 4 in Central Florida.
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Jeff Sonksen, best known for his artwork on a fence that borders the Seminole County trail, told News 6 anchor Matt Austin that he was inspired by Austin's recent story.
Austin, who was recently struck and injured by a distracted driver, is leading an initiative to bring tougher texting-and-driving laws to Florida.
Sonksen created the signs, which feature actor Bill Murray and Barney Fife -- a fictional sheriff's deputy played by Don Knotts on "The Andy Griffith Show" -- and posted a video to YouTube showing him placing them along I-4.
The sign with Murray on it says, "Don't drive angry."
Under current law, using a cellphone while driving in Florida is a secondary offense, meaning law enforcement has to pull a driver over for another offense before being able to ticket them for using their phone.
News 6 will livestream a town hall about texting and driving at 8 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 11. Austin will lead the forum, with law enforcement officers and others discussing the issue.