More than 10,000 traffic accidents each year in Texas are the result of distracted driving. In conjunction with national Distracted Driving Awareness Month, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) aims to increase awareness of distracted driving dangers this month through its Talk. Text. Crash. campaign.
TxDOT believes that to end distracted driving, Texans need to be educated regarding the dangers of performing activities that take attention away from the road while behind the wheel. The purpose of the Talk. Text. Crash. campaign is to illustrate to drivers that these activities can result in an accident, and that serious injuries or death are real possibilities.
Distracted driving behaviors put drivers, automobile passengers, pedestrians and other bystanders at risk of being involved in an accident.
A 2015 Texas A&M Transportation Institute survey shows that a large number of Texas drivers engage in distracted driving behaviors:
- 38 percent of drivers in Texas report having cell phone conversations behind the wheel
- 21.2 percent admit to reading or sending texts and emails while driving
Cell phone use behind the wheel is easily recognized as a distracted driving problem, but TxDOT reminds motorists that other behaviors need to be eliminated while driving as well:
- Eating
- Applying make-up, brushing hair and other beauty routines
- Reading
- Operating GPS devices
- Watching videos
- Adjusting radios, changing CDs and using MP3 players
TxDOT recommends that all drivers eliminate these behaviors to improve roadway safety throughout the state. The department suggests drivers wait until arriving at their destination to make calls or send texts. If a call is urgent, drivers should pull over safely to the side of the road.
Was a distracted driver responsible for the accident which left you or your loved one injured? If so, you may be entitled to compensation. The licensed Fort Worth auto accident lawyers at Anderson Cummings will pursue justice on your behalf and work to maximize your compensation. An injury lawyer in Fort Worth from our firm can review the details of your claim and determine if there is a path for a legal solution.
Call (817) 920-9000 or complete our Free Case Evaluation form now.