Texting behind the wheel was made illegal in Texas back in 2017. Under the law, it specifically states that drivers must not read, write, or send electronic messages while operating a motor vehicle.
Distracted driving has quickly become a significant factor in serious car crashes nationwide. Statistics show that nearly one out of every four traffic accidents involves texting and driving, and cellphone use contributes to nearly 1.6 million car crashes each year, according to the National Safety Council. Texting is a particularly dangerous activity behind the wheel, and it has prompted lawmakers in the state to take action.
Our Houston car crash lawyers have put together a basic guide to texting and driving laws in the state.
What Are the Penalties for Texting and Driving in Houston?
For your first offense, texting and driving can cost you a fine of up to $99. For a second offense, the fine can be as high as $200. In certain areas of the state, there are even stricter laws in place, and the only exceptions include emergency communication or sending texts while stopped. Since over 90 cities in Texas have adopted specific ordinances regarding texting and driving, drivers should get to know how the laws differ in their respective areas. If an officer observes someone texting while driving or engaging in distracting behavior, they are allowed to conduct a traffic stop. So, avoid checking your phone if you don’t want to get a ticket.
These penalties may seem unfair or harsh, but they are intended to deter distracted driving on Texas roadways. A distracted driver is essentially blind and can travel the length of several football fields while traveling at highway speeds. You can go hundreds of yards in the time it takes to read a text message.
What Makes Texting Behind the Wheel so Dangerous
The three primary categories of distractions behind the wheel include the following:
- Manual distractions – any actions that require a driver to move his or her hands away from the wheel or vehicle controls. Eating, adjusting the stereo or air conditioning, searching for items in a bag or inside the vehicle, or anything else that takes the driver’s hands away from the vehicle controls are examples of manual distractions.
- Visual distractions – anything that diverts a driver’s attention away from the road ahead. Roadside attractions or events such as police activity, looking in a vehicle mirror, “rubbernecking” to look at a nearby crash site, or anything else that takes the driver’s attention away from the road.
- Cognitive distractions – anything that occupies a driver’s mind while driving. Humans are highly visual creatures, and if the mind is preoccupied with something else, the brain may not be able to fully process visual information.
Texting is particularly dangerous because it involves all three of these primary distractions in a single act. The driver has to have at least one hand to text, their eyes to read the screen, and in most cases, they will be thinking of things other than driving in the process.
If you have been injured by a distracted driver, you should contact a trusted Houston personal injury lawyer immediately to discuss your options for compensation.
Personal Injury Attorneys in Houston
West Loop Law and the Law Office of Nhan Nguyen, MD, JD can conduct an investigation into your accident and assist you in obtaining evidence to demonstrate the extent of your injuries. Your Houston car crash lawyer will set up appointments with claims adjusters and assist you at every level of your case in order to obtain the highest potential settlement amount, including gathering evidence to show that the other driver is responsible.
Nhan Nguyen, MD, JD and Nader Rabie, JD are here to help you make a complete recovery after a severe car accident.
Contact West Loop Law and the Law Office of Nhan Nguyen, MD, JD immediately at (713) 840-7200 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation if you or a loved one has been unfairly injured in a traffic accident.
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