As you’ve been driving on a Texas road, you probably noticed instances of distracted driving. Maybe you looked over to see a driver applying make-up while driving, or perhaps you passed someone on the interstate who was swerving only to see as you drove by that he or she was texting. From eating to surfing Facebook to changing the station on the radio, people do many things that are dangerous while driving.
Since 2017, Texas law states that it is illegal to look at a phone, type something or send a message with a phone while driving. Distracted driving is a term that pertains to many different types of behaviors, including anything that takes a driver’s eyes off the road or attention from the task at hand. Phone use is the leading cause of distracted driving, which in turn is one of the leading causes of car accidents in the country.
Avoid Distracted Driving
One of the main reasons why people text and drive or use their phones while behind the wheel is because they overestimate their ability to multitask. No matter how experienced or safe a person thinks he or she is, it is always dangerous to engage in distracting behaviors while operating a motor vehicle. Every driver is responsible for the choices he or she makes while behind the wheel. Even engaging in inattentive driving can lead to an accident.
Some ways that people can avoid distracted driving include the following:
- Pull over in a safe place before sending a text or taking a phone call.
- Turn off the phone or turn it on silent before getting behind the wheel.
- Tell people to avoid calling or texting when they know you are on the road.
- Set the phone up to send autoreplies when people text while the car is in motion.
- Commit to safety and avoid dangerous behaviors while driving.
You may do all of these things and do everything you can to stay safe, but you cannot control the actions of others. If you find yourself suffering because of the negligent or reckless choices of another driver, you have legal options available to you, such as hiring a houston auto accident lawyer.
Holding Distracted Drivers Accountable
You do not have to suffer the consequences of distracted driving alone. You may find significant benefit in working with an experienced personal injury attorney who can help you navigate the personal injury claims process. If you believe your accident was the result of a distracted driver, you do not want to delay in learning more about how you can seek a full and fair recovery.
