The attorneys at the Law Offices of David Kohm understand the danger of texting and driving. Text messaging while operating a motor vehicle has a strong potential for harming others on the highway. Far too many people are injured or killed by those who do not pay full attention to their driving responsibilities.
According to the US Department of Transportation, 3,331 people were killed in distracted driving accidents in 2011. Another 387,000 people were injured in 2011. In addition, the Texas Department of Transportation has found that 25% of all traffic accidents involve distracted driving, including texting accidents.
Inattentive or distracted driving is a type of negligence because the driver is not providing full attention to operation of their motor vehicle. Federal studies have shown that:
- A driver texting will take their eyes off the road for an average of 4.6 seconds.
- A vehicle moving at 55 mph will travel more than 300 feet in 4.6 seconds.
- There is a 23 times higher risk of an accident while text messaging while driving.
These studies, coupled with the number of distracted driving accidents in Texas, make a strong case for trying to reduce the number of texting accidents.
In Texas, failure to keep a proper lookout can be considered negligent driving. Texas currently bans wireless communication devices by drivers under the age of 18. Cell phone use is prohibited for school bus drivers while children are in the vehicle and by anyone while in a school crossing zone. Because of the seriousness of the issue, a bill (sponsored by Rep. Tom Craddick, R-Midland) is currently present in the Texas legislature to ban texting while driving throughout the state.
Drivers in Texas injured due to the distracted driving crash should consult with an Arlington accident attorney they can trust. David Kohm has represented many car accident victims of for more than 20 years and has vast experience in distracted driving accidents.
Knowing your rights after an accident is vital in obtaining the compensation you deserve. To obtain a consultation concerning your rights after an accident due to texting and driving, contact our office at 817-204-0900.
