We have all been next to the folks that are distracted while driving. It is flat-out scary! We don't want to become one of the devastating statistics we see and hear about every night on the news. Finally, the lawmakers in Austin got around to realizing that prohibiting at least texting and driving would save lives. We are grateful that progress is being made towards keeping our community safer.
What Is Distracted Driving?
Distracted driving is any activity that could divert a person's attention away from the primary task of driving. And although most people already know the definition of distracted driving, many people choose to ignore their distractions, often giving the excuse "everyone does it."
If I'm walking down the street and looking at my phone, and I bump into someone, they are going to be mad that I wasn't paying attention. Depending on the size of the people involved in the collision and the speed we are walking, there could be some real injuries. What about if I hit a kid or someone older that can't move as quickly?
What is different about being in cars? The speed and power of the vehicles are faster and stronger, and the impact of one car hitting another can cause catastrophic results. Unfortunately, though, many drivers believe distracted driving is not a big deal because they make it from point A to point B day in and day out just fine.
Distracted Driving Numbers
- In the U.S., there were 3,522 deaths in 2021 due to distracted driving.
- In Texas, nearly one in every five car crashes was caused by distracted driving.
- In 2021, 431 people died from distracted driving in Texas and 2,934 were seriously injured as a result of it.
What Are the New Rules for Texting and Driving?
- The new law will prohibit drivers from texting and driving throughout the state. It defines texting and driving as "read, writing, or sending text messages." Unless the vehicle is stopped, texting and driving is illegal.
- Violators will be cited and receive a $25 to $99 fine for a first offense.
- Additionally, young drivers are now required to have knowledge about the dangers of distracted driving in order to pass their tests.
Where Do We Go From Here?
We continue to create awareness about distracted driving so that our cities and communities can be safer. Though making laws punishing those who choose to text and drive is a step in the right direction, it is not a solution to the issue that continues to persist - distracted driving. For example, many cars have implemented Bluetooth technology in them. Though this is now in most modern-day cars, it can still be a huge distraction to drivers. It's important that drivers are responsible and use their car's Bluetooth capabilities safely.
We all must continue to make the people that we can impact knowledgeable of the dangers of distracted driving as well as easy alternatives. Nowadays, many smart phones have features that allow you to be in "driving mode" so that people who text you will know that you're not looking at your phone.
If you were injured by a distracted driver, it's important to get justice. At The Button Law Firm, auto accident attorneys will continue to pursue distracted driving cases to the fullest extent possible. Unfortunately, people continue to violate laws regarding texting and driving. We must continue to hold them accountable so our clients, the actual victims of the distracted driving wrecks, will be able to have closure.
To reach out to our car wreck injury legal team, call us at (214)699-4409 or fill out the form at the bottom of this page. You can also reach a member of our team by starting a chat! We're available to you and your family 24/7 - so do not hesitate to reach out.
