Cell Phone Use & Driving in Texas: What You Need to Know

Last summer, Texas implemented a statewide ban against texting and driving. Texting is one of the most dangerous driving distractions because it requires your visual, manual, and cognitive faculties simultaneously.

According to the Federal Communications Commission, more than 1,000 people throughout the United States sustain injuries daily in motor vehicle collisions that can be attributed to distractions like texting. In an attempt to make the roads safer for everyone, law enforcement personnel all over the state are now on the lookout for drivers who are using a phone while behind the wheel.

If you were hurt in a collision with an inattentive motorist, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. To determine if you have grounds for a claim, turn to the Cooper Law Firm.

Our clients appreciate the knowledge and commitment we bring to their cases and our willingness to work closely with them, keeping them fully informed so they can make the right decisions. Call 903-297-0037 to schedule a free consultation with an accident lawyer in Longview.

Read on to learn what you should know about using a phone while driving in Texas:

1. The Specific Ordinances Vary by City

Texting and driving may be banned across the entire state, but some cities have additional ordinances in regard to cell phone use. At the end of the day, it is up to motorists to research their area’s specific prohibitions; however, for optimum safety, it is best not to use a phone at all when you are behind the wheel. This includes devices with hands-free capabilities, which can still pose a considerable cognitive distraction.

2. Emergencies Are the Exception

Despite the ban on texting, motorists are still encouraged to report emergencies, like car crashes, if they come upon them. If you pass a wreck or broken down vehicle, it is best to pull over to a safe place to call 911; however, if that is not possible, it is okay to call the police while still driving. The sooner emergency dispatchers receive the call, the sooner medical personnel can report to the scene and provide assistance.

3. Texting Alone Is Not Cause for Arrest

Under the new law, texting while driving is punishable by a fine of up to $99 for the first offense and up to $200 for any subsequent offense. Police cannot arrest someone for texting while driving if that is the only traffic violation they have committed, and the Department of Motor Vehicles cannot assign points to an offender’s license for committing the violation.

Even if the penalties do not seem all that severe, though, the potential consequences of texting while driving can be devastating. Unfortunately, these risks are not enough for some individuals to avoid using their phones until they have reached their destination.

If you were hurt in a wreck with a distracted driver, contact the Cooper Law Firm today. Call 903-297-0037 to schedule a free case evaluation with an accident attorney in Longview. You can learn more about collision claims in Texas by visiting USAttorneys.com.