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Texting and Driving in Texas

The National Safety Council, a research and advocacy group, estimates that 200,000 crashes each year are caused by drivers who are texting.  Research shows that drivers take their eyes off the road for much of the time that they send and receive text messages, and they are significantly more at risk of getting into an accident than someone who is not texting.

In fact, CNBC recently issued a report noting that texting while driving can be more dangerous than drinking and driving – texting drivers are slower to react, taking significantly more time to brake.  A recent test by Motorcycle & Driver showed the following braking times:

  • Unimpaired Driver:  0.54 seconds to brake

  • Legally Drunk Driver:  traveled 4 additional feet before braking

  • Driver Reading an E-mail:  traveled 36 additional feet before braking

  • Texting Driver:  traveled 70 additional feet before braking

Texting Prohibited

In Texas, all drivers under the age of 18 are prohibited at all times from using a cell phone while operating a motor vehicle.  In addition, House Bill 55, signed by the Governor in June 2009, also prohibits the use of cell phones in a school zone.  Violators will be fined $200.

speed limitHelp if You’ve Been Injured on a Motorcycle by a Texting Driver

At O’Hanlon, McCollom & Demerath, our motorcycle accident attorneys can help you if you’ve been injured in an accident involving a driver texting or using their cell phone while driving.  If you’ve been injured on a motorcycle due to a texting driver, call us today to discuss your case.

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