Driving While Texting

Texas Laws for Driving While Texting or Talking 

Carefully observe the number of people putting their lives and the lives of others in their own hands.  They text or talk as they drive, nonchalantly holding their cell phone.

No state-wide law in Texas makes the use of cell phones while driving illegal.  However, some situations make cell phones illegal to use.

Cell Phone Usage

In Texas, laws concerning cell phone usage while driving falls into three categories:

• Talking on a cell phone connected by Bluetooth or hands-free.
• Driving and texting in conjunction.
• Holding a cell phone in the hands while driving.

Texas Laws

The following rules apply to the above situations for cell phone use.

• No one under the age of eighteen may use a cell phone in any manner while driving.
• Driving through a school zone, no cell phone may be used for any purpose.
• School bus drivers cannot use cell phones any time children are on the bus.

While driving, your responsibility consists of the care and control of your vehicle.  You must remain undistracted to protect your passengers and others.  More than sixty cities and towns in Texas passed laws concerning cell phone use to enforce this responsibility.

The Dangers

Many news stories exist about crashes on Texas roads as a result of driver distraction.  A “blink of an eye” distraction, including texting or talking on your cell phone, instantly changes lives forever.  In 2012, more than 30,000 people died due to driver distraction.

Fines and Consequences

Fines for cell phone use while driving range from $200 to $500.  However, causing a crash, hurting, or killing someone else changes lives.  The emotional impact and financial consequences follow you for the rest of your life, if you survive.

If you choose to text or talk on a cell phone, then you put yourself, your family, and even strangers at serious risk. Eliminate the problem, don’t text or talk when driving.

When Another Person Causes a Crash

If another person causes a wreck, then legal remedies become available to you.  People are responsible for their own actions.   You commit the worst liability when you cause a crash by texting or talking on a cell phone while driving.

Action to Take

Legal representation becomes a need when you or another person becomes responsible for the lives of others. Mark Barber, Attorney at Law, a Wichita Falls lawyer, specializes in protecting client’s rights. He represents you fully, including the responsibility of driver distraction while using a cell phone and driving.

Contact Mark Barber at (940) 761 3009 for the best representation.