Distracted Driving Awareness Month
April marks Distracted Driving Awareness Month, a nationwide campaign aimed at shedding light on one of the most preventable — yet deadly — dangers on our roads. While we often think of drunk driving or speeding as top threats, distracted driving has quietly become just as deadly. And the truth is, most drivers don’t even realize when they’re doing it.
Whether it’s replying to a quick text, adjusting your GPS, or grabbing a bite behind the wheel, these small actions can have devastating consequences. In Texas, the numbers tell a chilling story — and it’s one we can’t afford to ignore.
Every single day, someone loses their life on Texas roadways. The most heartbreaking part? Many of these tragedies are entirely preventable. Distracted driving has quietly become one of the biggest dangers behind the wheel — and it’s claiming more lives every year.
According to the Texas Department of Transportation, nearly 1 in 5 crashes in 2024 were caused by driver distraction. That’s a staggering statistic. These wrecks resulted in 373 deaths and more than 2,587 serious injuries.
And while most people associate distracted driving with texting, it actually includes anything that takes your focus off the road, such as:
- Eating or drinking while driving
- Fiddling with the A/C or music
- Programming your GPS mid-drive
- Reading a text or checking a notification
- Turning around to talk to passengers
One of the most alarming trends? Distracted driving is now the leading cause of fatal crashes among teenagers in the U.S.
Since 2017, it has been illegal in Texas to write, send, or even read a text message while driving. Those who violate this law could face up to $200 in fines.
Texas Is Cracking Down
To combat this growing problem, Texas lawmakers are stepping up enforcement and launching awareness campaigns. You may be familiar with initiatives like “Click It or Ticket” or “Don’t Drink and Drive.” Now, the state is turning its attention to distracted driving with the campaign “Talk. Text. Crash.”
This new effort urges drivers to stay alert, stay focused, and save lives. Because taking your eyes off the road for even a few seconds can be the difference between getting home safely and a devastating crash.
If you are involved in a car accident, contact the professionals at Reynolds & Reynolds. We can help you through the details of your accident, so contact our attorneys here or call (972) 684-5011 to speak with someone today. Follow us on Facebook for updates and legal tips, and contact Reynolds & Reynolds to discuss your case.
