Texas Needs a Statewide Ban on Distracted Driving, Agrees Waxahachie Personal Injury Lawyer
Jan 24, 2013
Waxahachie, TX (Law Firm Newswire) January 23, 2013 – Texas is looking at renewed legislative support to combat texting and driving.
There are now six separate bills that call for a Texas-wide ban on texting-while-driving pre-filed for the upcoming 2013 legislative session. While Texas lawmakers successfully ushered a no-texting bill through the House and Senate in 2011, it was vetoed by Gov. Rick Perry. Gov. Perry has stated that that he believes public education is the best way to deal with texting while driving a motor vehicle.
“Distracted driving is a serious danger for other drivers and pedestrians all across the country,” agreed Waxahachie personal injury attorney John Hale. “A state-wide focus to combat texting and driving is in the best interest of everyone on our roads.”
According to a Harris Interactive/HealthDay poll, more than 75 percent of the respondents believe that texting while driving would more than likely increase their risk of a motor vehicle accident. But more than 35 percent of respondents also admitted that they sometimes sent or received and read one or more text messages while driving. Almost 20 percent of those who responded admitted to regularly texting while behind the wheel.
Bans currently exist in Texas prohibiting the use of cell phones in certain situations. For example, Section 545.425 of the Texas Transportation Code prohibits passenger bus drivers from using a cell phone if a minor passenger is on board, except in the case of an emergency, or if the bus is at rest. Section 545.424 of the Code prohibits young drivers (below the age of 18) from using a cell phone while driving for the first six months following issuance of a Class A, B, or C driver’s license. State law also bans drivers from using a cell phone in an active school zone, unless the vehicle is stopped or a hands-free device is used.
Cities across Texas are also taking action. Amarillo, Austin, Dallas, Galveston, El Paso, San Antonio, Missouri City, and Stephenville are just a few of the Texas cities that have enacted municipal distracted driving laws.
Currently, Texas does not have a ban on cell phone texting for drivers of all ages on all roads, but it looks like it is only a matter of time.
If an individual has been injured due to any type of car accident, including a texting-while-driving accident, they may wish to consult with an experienced Waxahachie personal injury attorney.
John Hale is a Waxahachie personal injury lawyer and Ellis County personal injury lawyer helping injury victims near Dallas, Texas. Learn more at The Hale Law Firm
The Hale Law Firm
100 Executive Court, Suite 3
Waxahachie, TX 75165
Call: 888.425.3911
