Free Consultation
(512) 910-2000 Free Consultation
(512) 910-2000Written by TK Injury Lawyers, reviewed by Trent Kelly on September 21, 2016
In an article entitled “Police Losing Battle to Get Drivers to Put Down Their Phones” the New York Times published that according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, almost 3,500 people died in crashes involving distracted drivers in the United States and Puerto Rico in 2015. The agency estimated that 431,000 people were injured in distracted driving crashes the year before. The number of deaths reported as a direct cause of cell phone distraction in 2015 was 476.
According to the Virginia Tech Traffic Institute, a driver’s eyes are away from the road for an average of five seconds while texting. That’s enough time to cover a football field at 55 mph with your eyes closed. What comes to issue is the fact that accidents involving injuries or deaths due to cell phone use are incredibly unreported. That’s because police are required to rely on a driver’s denial of cellphone use after an accident.
Lawmakers in both New York and Texas have proposed providing police with the Textalyzer device that searches a suspect’s phone for activity immediately before a crash. Both legislatures are trying to work through the legal objections to the device.
Louisiana is an example of a state that has raised its texting while driving fine to $500 for a first offense. Other states like New York assess points against a driver’s license. The Harvard School of Public Health is working on a public awareness campaign against distracted driving that’s much like the successful designated driver campaign to deter drunk driving.
Legislatures and law enforcement aren’t making much progress in their campaigns against distracted drivers.Your business or personal life can be put on hold by ignoring these facts. Also be conscious about the people around you on the road, they deserve that. If you or somebody close to you was hurt by a distracted driver, call an Austin car wreck attorney from Terry & Kelly at 512-910-2000.
Trent Kelly obtained his law degree from the University of Arkansas in 2007. He is licensed to practice law in Texas and regularly assists clients with their legal matters. Trent’s practice is primarily focused on personal injury matters – particularly those involving motor vehicles (such as cars, commercial trucks, 18-wheelers, and motorcycles) and wrongful death – but he also handles various business litigation matters as well. Click here to take a look at some complex cases Trent has resolved.
Years of experience: +15 years
Location: Austin, TX
Share this:
Traffic signals exist to prevent accidents at intersections, and when drivers ignore red lights or other signals, they often cause serious accidents and injuries. Discuss...
When you think of car accidents, your mind probably goes to the common dangers on the road. After all, every driver knows to be wary of drunk drivers, slippery roads, and...
Traffic accidents in Austin are at an all-time high. So far this year, traffic accidents have caused 81 deaths - making 2015 one of the deadliest years on record. What...
If you are charged with reckless driving in Texas, it can result in serious consequences. A reckless driving charge can lead to fines, jail time, or a license suspension....
Tell us about your case and our attorneys will contact you promptly
Message Us 
Call Us