Texas One of Few States Not to Ban Texting While Driving

September 13, 2012

Texas One of Few States Not to Ban Texting While Driving

Texas is one of the few states that does not ban texting while driving. Some cities in Texas have banned the practice, but the state's governor recently vetoed a state-wide ban passed by the legislature in 2011, calling it "a government effort to micromanage the behavior of adults."

Ending Texting While Driving a Main Priority for U.S. Transportation Secretary

Ray LaHood, the U.S. Transportation Secretary, has made the fight against distracted driving one of his main priorities since he was appointed three years ago. Many states have jumped on board, with 39 states banning texting while driving and 10 banning all handheld cell phone use behind the wheel.

Distracted driving crashes killed 3,092 people in 2010 and injured around 416,000. The most common demographic of distracted drivers involved in fatal accidents was drivers under age 20. Distracted driving is particularly common among teen drivers, a fact recognized by LaHood. The Department of Transportation is urging educators and parents to teach young drivers that texting while driving is not acceptable. Recently, a teen was jailed for distracted driving after a fatal accident.

The DOT awarded Delaware and California $2.4 million for state projects to stop distracted driving. These states conducted public campaigns against distracted driving coupled with more police enforcement of distracted driving laws.

Dangers of Distracted Driving

Distracted drivers put themselves and everyone on the road in great danger. Studies indicate that text messaging increases a driver's crash risk by 23 times. Even glancing at a phone for a few seconds can be deadly. When sending or receiving a text, drivers look away for about 4.6 seconds. When traveling at 55 mph, these drivers go the length of a football field without looking at the road.

People who have been injured by a distracted driver may have a legal remedy against the driver for their injuries. A personal injury attorney is a helpful resource for drivers who wish to pursue legal action against a distracted driver and receive the compensation they deserve.

Article provided by Boon, Shaver, Echols, Coleman & Goolsby P.L.L.C.
Visit us at http://www.boonlaw.com