Distracted driving is responsible for roughly 20% of all car accidents in Texas
Texas officials remain committed in their efforts to combat distracted driving accidents, as they continue to be among the most prevalent types of collisions in the state, often resulting in severe injuries and fatalities.
According to a recent announcement by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) regarding the state's "Talk. Text. Crash." campaign, all forms of distractions, such as texting, eating, grooming, or talking on the phone, pose a significant threat to road safety. Regardless of age, every driver and passenger can be affected by distracted driving.
The tough stance taken by officials against distracted driving is warranted, given the grave dangers and devastating consequences of car accidents caused by inattentive drivers in Texas. The legal team at John R. Solis, Attorney at Law, based in Laredo, has firsthand experience handling such cases and understands their significant impact on crash victims and their families.
How many accidents are caused by distracted driving in Texas?
Despite years of educational campaigns and strict enforcement, the number of fatalities resulting from distracted driving accidents in Texas continues to increase. According to car accident data from TxDOT, 431 people lost their lives, and 2,934 were injured in such accidents in 2021 alone.
Shockingly, the 2021 death toll from distracted driving accidents was 17 percent higher than the previous year. Moreover, 2021 will be remembered as the second-deadliest year for car accident fatalities in Texas since 1940.
To provide some context, distracted driving is responsible for roughly 20 percent of all car accidents in Texas. In addition, a recent traffic safety study by Forbes revealed that Texas leads the nation in fatalities caused by distracted driving accidents. The statistics highlight the critical need for drivers to remain focused on the road and the task of driving.
What are the cell phone laws in Texas?
Texas is widely recognized for having some of the country's most stringent distracted driving laws. One notable example is the state's 2017 law prohibiting drivers from reading, writing, or sending text messages while behind the wheel. This law, Texas Transportation Code, Title 7, Chapter 545, Section 4251, allows law enforcement officers to impose fines of $200 on violators of the state's texting while driving ban.
Additionally, Texas has instituted strict regulations prohibiting drivers under 18 from utilizing handheld electronic devices while driving including cell phones. These restrictions extend to school bus drivers in the state as well.
Alongside strict law enforcement measures, Texas' ongoing "Talk. Text. Crash." campaign works to inform drivers about the dangers associated with distracted driving:
"No one is good at texting and driving. You might think it won't happen to you, but it can and does happen every day. During #DistractedDrivingAwarenessMonth let's all keep our phones down and our eyes on the road when driving." TxDOT posted on Instagram recently.
Contact a Laredo, TX distracted driving accident lawyer
If you were hurt by a distracted driver in Texas, it can be overwhelming to navigate the legal process. Insurance companies may pressure you to accept their settlement offer, while the other driver may attempt to blame you for the collision.
This is when seeking the guidance of an experienced car accident attorney can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. At John R. Solis, Attorney at Law, our legal team is well-versed in Texas law and is prepared to fight for the justice and financial compensation you deserve.
You can rely on our law firm to prioritize your needs and advocate for your rights throughout the whole process. To learn more about how we can help you, contact us today to schedule a free case evaluation.