Distracted driving in Texas

April 28, 2013 (Press-News.org) Distracted driving in Texas

Article provided by Gary Freeman
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Cell phones can kill people! When a driver is behind the wheel of a car, lives are at stake. Accordingly, the law demands that a driver's utmost attention must be focused on the road, as well as other possible obstacles which may arise. Driving while distracted, such as texting while behind the wheel, clearly places others at risk and is clearly negligence.

Dangers and habits of distracted driving

The pressures of modern day living cause many people to feel that they have to multi-task. Sadly, many people make the terrible mistake of thinking that they can drive and text on a cell phone at the same time. As we all know, it is very difficult to drive in the hectic conditions of modern urban society, even when one does everything right! However, driving while texting is not only dangerous, it is totally reckless!

Texting, or even just entering phone numbers, while driving, causes profound distraction. People who engage in this behavior will often take their eyes off the road for extensive periods of time. The delayed reaction time leads to collisions with objects, pedestrians or even other drivers. The distraction also often causes head-on collisions because these distracted drivers unwittingly drift across the center line right into oncoming traffic. It is no surprise that on busy roads, a seemingly minor distraction could potentially lead to a pile up of cars and multiple injuries.

The role in fatal accidents

<a target="_blank" href="http://www.freemanattorney.com/Car-Accidents/Distracted-Driver-Accidents.shtml]Distracted driving[/url] sounds dangerous enough in theory, but the numbers demonstrate how big a threat distracted driving really is. The National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration found that distracted driving contributed to 10 percent of fatal accidents in 2010. Further, an online poll in Texas found that 16 percent of those taking the quiz engaged in texting and driving.

Laws in Texas

Texas is not among the 39 states that have banned texting and driving practices, and some lawmakers believe that drivers who already text would continue to do so even if such a law was passed. Texas does ban cellphone use for new drivers who are still learning the procedures of the road, as well as for bus drivers.

When distracted driving is suspected

When an accident occurs as a result of distracted or negligent driving, the at-fault driver can be held legally responsible for the damage they cause. Regardless of whether a driver was texting, grooming or eating a burger, drivers who fail to give the road their full attention can be held liable when they cause injuries.

People injured in car accidents, which may have been caused by distracted driving, are encouraged to seek the help of an experienced personal injury lawyer. A lawyer will work tirelessly to ensure that the negligent party is held accountable. An injured party may be able to recover for automobile damages, medical expenses, compensation for missed time at work, and compensation for pain and suffering. Contacting a personal injury lawyer is the first step on an injured party's road to recovery.