Texas Considering Texting While Driving Ban

Distracted driving is an issue that has received a lot of attention from state and federal officials. Many states have bans concerning the use of handheld cellphones or texting while driving, and have serious consequences in place if a driver is caught violating these rules.

It is difficult to know exactly how many motor vehicle accidents are caused each year due to distracted drivers. Often, this information is not included on any official reports of the accident, because police officers are not required to ask if the drivers were using cellphones or texting while driving. If a driver volunteers this information, it may be recorded, but in many situations this is not preserved for later use.

In Texas, there have been repeated attempts to address distracted driving within the state. One statewide ban even passed, only to be vetoed by the governor. Another bill has recently been proposed in the house that would prohibit texting while driving within Texas. Fines for texting drivers could be $100 for a first offense, increasing for later violations. It would not place any restrictions on individuals using handheld cellphones to make calls while behind the wheel.

Current distracted driving laws in Texas apply mainly to younger drivers. Drivers under 18 are not allowed to use wireless devices, which include handheld cellphones. Drivers within the first six months of receiving their learners’ permits are also banned from using handheld cellphones while driving. All drivers are prohibited from using handheld cellphones in school zones.

All of these laws are primary violations, meaning that a motorist can be stopped by police if the officer observes the driver engaging in the prohibited activity. Several Texas cities already have their own texting bans in place, including San Antonio and Austin.

If you have been injured in a car or truck accident, you may be eligible for compensation. Speak to an experienced personal injury attorney about your case. Your injuries may be placing a financial strain on your family, but do not settle your claims immediately. Insurance companies are not on your side, and they are hoping that you will take less than your claim may ultimately be worth.

Serious injuries may need treatment and extensive rehabilitation, and these costs may come out of your own pocket if you settle too soon. You may have questions about what you should do with your case, and it is important that you speak with someone who has handled similar matters in the past. Even though each case is different, an experienced attorney can help you understand the decisions that you need to make in order to get back to normal.