TxDot Releases New Data Supporting the Dangers of Texting and Driving
The Texas Department of Transportation recently released new data supporting evidence that cell phone usage while driving is increasing the number of car accidents on our roads and highways.
In the last five years in Texas, over 1,700 wrecks have been caused by drivers who are on their cell phones. Before the release of this data, it was almost impossible to tell the impact of distracted driving on our roads.
AAA is pushing for legislation that bans texting nationwide for the next 3 years. In addition, the study also shows that any kind of cell phone usage, not just texting diverts the attention of the driver from the road.
If you think about how much is already going on in the car while you’re driving, the addition of looking down at a key board for extended periods of time does not make logical sense. It seems that we continue to text and drive even though we know it is not safe. We need to stand up for what we know is right to promote safety in our communities.
I have recently partnered with 10 other attorneys from around the country to help educated and make middle and high school aged students aware of the dangers of texting and driving. The campaign is called TADD (Teens Against Distracted Driving), and encourages students to sign a pledge to not text and drive. In gratitude for signing the pledge, we are giving each student who signs a free wrist bracelet.
It is my hope that new statistics such as these and awareness programs like TADD will help end the problem of car wrecks associated with being distracted with your cell phone while driving. There are so many new technologies to help aide this problem so that your cell phone is “hands-free” every time you are in your car.
This information and commentary is provided by Dallas/Fort Worth Personal Injury Attorney Mark A. Anderson. The Anderson Law Firm can be reached in Dallas at 214-327-800, in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900 or online by clicking here.
