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Texting While Driving
Distracted driving has been a problem for many years throughout the country, but in recent years, texting and driving have become a serious issue. Several years ago, Texas banned texting while driving. Individuals who are caught reading or sending text messages while they are operating motor vehicles will be subject to tickets and fines. Despite the ban, however, people still continue to text and drive, and when they do so, their actions sometimes lead to accidents.
Driver distraction, particularly texting and driving, is a common cause of vehicle accidents throughout Texas. Reading or replying to a text while driving causes an individual to take his or her eyes off the road, which is dangerous for both the driver and others on the road.
If you have been hurt in an accident that was caused by someone who was texting and driving, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Let one of our skilled car accident attorneys evaluate your case. Call us toll-free or email us today for more information.
The Dangers Of Texting While Driving
Studies have shown that drivers who text while driving can be even more dangerous than drunk drivers. For example, a study that was done by researchers at the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute revealed that whenever drivers text while driving, their risk of having an accident is 23 times higher than when they aren’t texting. The study also showed that drivers who are texting while driving often spend the last seconds immediately preceding an accident looking at their cellphones instead of the roadway.
The law in Texas is clear – it is illegal to text and drive. This means that even if an individual is stuck in traffic or sitting at a red light, he or she cannot take that time to pick up the phone and read or send text messages.
The Possible Results Of Texting While Driving
Drivers who act carelessly and irresponsibly by sending and viewing texts while driving should be held responsible for any harm they may cause. It is important for accident victims to work with skilled lawyers who can investigate the accident and gather all the appropriate evidence needed to prove the case.
An accident that involves texting while driving can be even more devastating than other types of accidents because the driver typically isn’t focused on applying the brakes in order to lessen the impact of the crash. In fact, studies have shown that a texting driver’s reflexes and reaction times are just as slow as a drunk driver who might cause a drunk driving crash. The results of such accidents can lead to broken bones, serious internal injuries, or even death.
Cellphone Carriers Unite
Even cellphone companies, like Verizon Wireless, AT&T, Sprint, and T-Mobile, recognize that texting while driving is a serious issue in the U.S., and accordingly, some have launched ad campaigns geared toward dissuading individuals from using their cell phones while driving. As a matter of fact, the Department of Transportation refers to texting and driving as an “epidemic.”
Regardless of what it’s called, texting and driving is a dangerous activity that can have life-changing results for accident victims and their families.
If you have been injured in an accident by someone who was using a cellphone or texting while driving, contact one of our skilled lawyers to find out more about your legal options. Call us toll-free or email us right away to schedule an appointment.
