Distracted Driving – What Does Texas Law Say?
Did you know that at least one driver dies on Texas roads every single day? According to the Texas Department of Transportation, 18% of car crashes reported in Texas in 2018 were affected by distracted driving. Distracted driving is the number one cause of teen auto-accident deaths in America. Distracted driving is often associated with texting, but includes anything that takes your attention away from the road. Factors can include:
- Eating
- Adjusting the A/C
- Adjusting the navigation system
- Changing the song on the radio
- Reading
- Talking to someone in the back seat
Texas lawmakers have been taking this problem increasingly seriously in the past few years. They already have many initiatives about other auto accident causes such as “Click it or Ticket” or “Don’t Drink and Drive,” and now they added “Talk. Text. Crash”
What does Texas law say about distracted driving?
The exact definition of distracted driving varies from city to city in Texas. However, back in 2015, the state of Texas banned texting while driving.
It is important to remember that the fine amount can also vary by city. Some cities will fine offenders up to $500 per offense! Some cities in Texas limit ANY cell phone use of any kind while driving. Austin, TX is one example of a municipality where using your phone in any way while driving is illegal. Drivers under 18 are also not allowed to use their phones while driving in some cities as well. As you can probably tell, knowing your cities/counties laws on distracted driving is necessary for understanding what is or isn’t allowed. However, these laws should not be the only thing preventing you from distracted driving.
Distracted driving puts everyone on the road at risk. If you have been injured in an accident caused by a distracted driver, or if you know someone who has, contact the dedicated legal team at Reynolds & Reynolds in Frisco, TX to discuss your case today.
