Texas Lawmakers Approve Tougher Distracted Driving Law
There has been a lot of high-stakes drama surrounding the final weeks of the current legislative session in Austin, and while I am a strong opponent of some of the new laws, as a Texas personal injury lawyer I am very happy that tighter restrictions on distracted driving are now just waiting Governor Rick Perry’s signature.
In its original incarnation, House Bill 243 would prohibit texting while driving, while still permitting drivers to read text message while operating their vehicle. Fortunately, that ridiculousness has been erased from the new version of the bill which passed the Senate on Sunday. Distracted driving is a serious hazard to all road users now more than ever. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2005 distracted driving accounted for 10 percent of all traffic wreck deaths nationwide in 2005. By 2009, that figure had doubled to 20 percent. It is a major cause of fatal collisions and tighter laws such as this are a big step forwards.
The new bill would mean a statewide ban on sending and reading texts, emails and other instant messages while behind the wheel of a car. This is great news. As a Fort Worth auto accident attorney, I have long supported tighter restrictions on texting while driving. The problem is that most people are so used to using their cellphones and other electronic devices while driving, that it has become a hard habit to break. Hopefully a $200 fine will deter those who continue such dangerous habits.
If you have been hurt in a car wreck involving a distracted driver, it is very important that you consult with a board certified car crash and wrongful death lawyer to understand your legal rights to seek compensation for you medical bills and other damages. Please call us toll free at 800-354-6275 or locally at 817-294-1900.
