Some Cities Step in Where New Texas Traffic Laws Fall Short

April 21, 2012

Some Cities Step in Where New Texas Traffic Laws Fall Short

Updates to Texas traffic laws in September 2011 brought a number of changes for drivers in the state, including speed limit adjustments and a new law requiring drivers to slow down or move over when approaching a tow truck on the side of the road. Significantly absent from the overhaul, however, was a measure that would have banned texting while driving for all drivers in Texas.

A proposed state-wide texting ban had been approved by state legislators in both the Senate and the House of Representatives, but was ultimately vetoed by Gov. Rick Perry. If approved, the texting law would have gone into effect in September along with the other new traffic laws.

Distracted Driving in Texas

With the dramatic increase in cellphone use and text messaging in recent years, cellphone-related distracted driving accidents have become a major problem in Texas and across the country. Compared to other forms of distracted driving, texting is especially dangerous because it occupies a driver's eyes, hands and concentration simultaneously. According to a study by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, texting drivers are 23 times more likely to be involved in a car crash than non-distracted drivers.

Currently, Texas law only bans texting for certain drivers, including novice drivers, school bus drivers, and drivers under the age of 18. However, a number of cities throughout Texas, including El Paso, have passed their own texting-while-driving ordinances to supplement the state law.

In El Paso, drivers are barred from texting or talking on hand-held cellphones. According to the El Paso Times, no other city in Texas bans all forms of handheld cellphone use for drivers. Other cities, such as Austin and Arlington, prohibit texting but not talking on a cellphone while driving.

In El Paso, Ticket or Stick It

Under an initiative announced recently by the El Paso city council, drivers who receive a first-time citation under the city texting ordinance will have the option to have the ticket dismissed in exchange for displaying a "No Talking, No Texting" bumper sticker on their vehicles. The stickers are intended to raise awareness about the dangers of cellphone use while driving. Drivers who opt not to display the bumper sticker, as well as repeat offenders, will be required to pay a fine of $114.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident involving a distracted driver, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your injuries, medical expenses and other losses. To learn more about pursuing compensation after a car accident, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer.

Article provided by Lovett Law Firm
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