Texting While Driving Can be as Dangerous as Drunk Driving

According to a 2009 ordinance, Austin Texas banned texting, "A driver of a motor vehicle may not use a wireless communication device to view, send, or compose an electronic message or engage other application software while operating a motor vehicle."   No other Texas city has such law.

Currently thirty states have banned texting completely as well as the District of Columbia.  In Texas, only young drivers are banned.  As of September 2009, Texas teens under the age of 18 are prohibited from using a cell phone while driving.

Knowing the dangers and risks, why do so many people still choose to text while driving?  Dontdriveandtext.org reports that cell phone use accounts for 2,600 vehicle fatalities and 300,000 collisions annually. 

There are multiple advertisements and campaigns against using cell phones while driving such as "Focus Driven", created by families of victims killed in cell phone related accidents.  "No Phone Zone", created and promoted by Oprah may be more famous. Oprah has asked guests on her show to sign pledges agreeing not use their cell phones while driving, specifically texting.  

The word is getting out there, and people know the dangers but are they really taking it to heart?  Thousands of innocent lives have been lost.  Set an example by waiting to read and reply to that message, or by pulling over to take that call.

If you or someone you know has been injured in a Houston car accident caused by a distracted driver, you should call our office today at (713) 921-4171 or (800) 232-3711.