Every Time a Driver Picks Up Their Phone, They’re Gambling With Lives
Distracted drivers using their phones are nearly twice as likely to cause a car accident, according to a new study by the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), which urges the public and traffic safety officials to do more to prevent distracted-driving accidents.
"We have the tools to save thousands of lives,” GHSA Chief Executive Officer Jonathan Adkins said. “What we need now is action... This is a call for government, community, and corporate leaders to work together to help us move boldly into a new era of road safety."
How Bad Are Distracted Driving Accidents?
The short answer – very bad. As the recent GHSA study clearly revealed, drivers who use their cellphones are 240 percent more likely to be involved in a car accident than other drivers. The same GHSA study noted that distracted drivers caused 12,405 deaths in 2021, which represents 28 percent of all traffic deaths nationwide.
In addition, for every 10 percent increase in distracted driving, an additional 420 people die in distracted driving accidents and cost society $4 billion per year, according to the GHSA study, which cited research conducted by the Cambridge Mobile Telematics (CMT).
What Makes Distracted Driving So Dangerous?
Distracted driving pulls a driver’s attention away from the single most important task – staying focused on the road. Glancing at a text, scrolling through social media, or answering a quick call may not seem risky, but even a moment of distraction can have devastating consequences. At Texas highway speeds, looking away for just three seconds is like driving the length of a football field (or more) blindfolded.
Across Texas, distracted drivers cause chaos every day. Common dangers linked to distracted driving include:
- Delayed reactions – Drivers on their phones often fail to brake or steer quickly enough to avoid a crash.
- Visual inattention – Eyes drift to the screen instead of traffic lights, pedestrians, and surrounding vehicles.
- Mental overload – Splitting attention between driving and a device limits awareness and slows decision-making.
- Missed warning signs – Brake lights, horns, and changing signals can go unnoticed by drivers who aren’t fully focused.
- Unpredictable movement – Distracted drivers may weave between lanes or stop abruptly without warning.
Every moment behind the wheel requires full concentration. Studies have repeatedly shown that distracted driving – whether it involves texting, talking, or adjusting navigation – is every bit as dangerous as drunk driving. Both impair a driver’s judgment, reaction time, and split-second decision-making. They’re also a choice. Drivers can choose to put down their phones while driving and save lives.
Is Distracted Driving A Serious Problem In Texas?
Yes. Like many states, many car accidents in Texas are caused by distracted drivers. Roughly 1 out of 5 car accidents in Texas is caused by distracted drivers, according to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). In 2024, for example, distracted drivers in Texas caused 2,587 injuries and 373 deaths, according to TxDOT.
In fact, Texas has more distracted driving accidents than many other states. One study ranked Texas the ninth-worst state nationwide for distracted driving accidents. Specifically, an estimated 14 percent of drivers in Texas are distracted while driving, according to the distracted driving study by USSA.
What Are Texas’s Distracted Driving Laws?
As in many other states, texting while driving is illegal in Texas. But that’s just the start. According to Texas Transportation Code 545.4251, the state’s cellphone laws include:
- All drivers cannot send or receive text messages.
- Handheld electronic devices are prohibited in a school zone.
- Drivers with learner's permits cannot use a cellphone while driving during the first six months.
- Drivers under 18 years old cannot use handheld electronic devices while driving.
- School bus drivers cannot use a cellphone while driving if children are present.
Why Should I Hire A Laredo Distracted Driving Accident Attorney?
At John R. Solis, Attorney at Law, our car accident lawyers have seen what happens when drivers text instead of paying attention to the road. That’s why we dig deep into phone records, crash data, and eyewitness accounts to prove negligence and secure justice for injured Texans.
From Laredo to every corner of the state, we fight for accountability and maximum compensation after serious collisions.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a Laredo crash, you don’t have to go through the process of recovering your losses alone. Contact us and schedule a free case evaluation with an experienced Laredo car accident attorney you can count on in a crisis.
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