"Talk. Text. Crash." Campaign Aims to Combat Distracted Driving
Texas faces a significant issue with distracted driving accidents, but the state is committed to addressing it and lowering the number of car crashes caused by distracted drivers. According to a recent statement by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), distracted driving crashes can be prevented entirely. To emphasize the importance of staying focused on the road, TxDOT is running an educational campaign to promote safe driving practices.
At Marye Law, our Dallas car accident attorneys have firsthand experience with the devastating consequences of crashes involving distracted drivers. As such, we support all of the state's efforts to reduce the occurrence of these preventable crashes.
How many crashes are caused by distracted driving in Texas?
Texas experienced a 17% increase in distracted driving fatalities in 2021 compared to the previous year, as per TxDOT statistics. Shockingly, 431 people died, and 2,934 others were injured in distracted driving accidents in 2021, making it the second deadliest year for car accident fatalities in Texas since 1940.
TxDOT reports that nearly 1 out of every 5 car accidents in Texas is caused by distracted drivers, including those who text, eat, or talk to passengers while driving. Younger drivers, especially teenagers, are susceptible to distracted driving, particularly if they have other teenagers in the vehicle. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a teenage driver is two-and-a-half times more likely to engage in distracted driving if there is one teenage passenger in the car, and this number jumps to three times more likely if there are two teen passengers. Such dangerous behaviors put everyone on the road at risk.
What is the law and punishment for distracted driving in Texas?
Since 2017, Texas has made texting while driving illegal. If a driver is caught reading, writing, or sending a text while driving, they can be fined $200, as per Texas Transportation Code, Title 7, Chapter 545, Section 4251.
Moreover, there are specific laws in place in Texas that restrict the use of handheld electronic devices while driving. For example, drivers under 18 are prohibited from using handheld cell phones or other handheld electronic devices while driving. The same rules apply to school bus drivers in Texas, who cannot use handheld cell phones or other electronic devices while driving.
Avoiding distraction when behind the wheel
Texas has implemented various initiatives to prevent distracted driving, including implementing laws against texting while driving. In addition to these measures, TxDOT has launched several awareness campaigns, such as the "Talk. Text. Crash." campaign, which is currently being promoted statewide during Distracted Driving Awareness Month.
This campaign aims to educate drivers about the dangers of distracted driving, whether it involves talking on the phone, interacting with passengers, or using a phone for texting, social media, or other distractions while driving.
As part of the campaign, TxDOT has been sharing videos, social media posts, and news stories to spread the message. Recently, TxDOT tweeted a reminder to drivers to stay focused on the road and avoid distractions while driving, emphasizing that checking TikTok views, texting friends, or any other distraction can lead to fatal consequences.
Contact a Dallas distracted driving accident lawyer today
Distracted driving accidents in Dallas and other parts of Texas can quickly become complicated legal cases, even though they may initially seem straightforward. The driver responsible for the accident may deny wrongdoing, or their insurance company may reduce or deny your claim. In such situations, it is essential to have an experienced attorney on your side to ensure that your injury claim receives the attention it deserves.
At Marye Law, our dedicated legal team is committed to providing the best legal representation to our clients. We can help you navigate the legal process, answer your questions, and explain your potential options for compensation. With our knowledge and experience, we will work tirelessly to build a strong case and fight for the compensation you're entitled to under Texas law.
Don't wait to seek legal help. Instead, schedule a free consultation with our firm today to discuss your case. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no fees unless we win your case. Contact us now to learn more about how we can help you.
