Texting While Driving Is Not Illegal In All Parts Of Texas

While 11 states now have laws that prohibit talking on a cellphone while driving, 41 states — including the District of Columbia — prohibit texting and driving for all drivers. While Texas does not have a statewide ban of texting and driving, some Texas cities have enacted their own ordinances prohibiting it. Beaumont has a limited ban that acknowledgment texting contributes to car accidents. However, the ban targets only novice drivers and situations requiring extra caution. In Beaumont, texting while driving is banned for:

• Drivers under 18
• School bus drivers
• Drivers in school crossing zones during reduced-speed-limit hours

Total ban has majority public support

A recent survey for KXAN stated that a total ban on using cell phones while driving is supported by 85% of Texans. Previous attempts to enact a blanket ban have been thwarted, as Texas Governor Rick Perry said that he would not sign the bill. Gov. Perry believes that a ban on texting constitutes undue interference by lawmakers in a person’s day-to-day activities.

The lobby for a law against texting and driving remains strong. Although such laws have proven difficult to enforce because law enforcement must catch a texting driver “red-handed” to make an arrest, many campaigners hope that a law banning texting while driving will still act as a deterrent and reduce the number of accidents caused by distracted drivers.

If you have been injured in a car accident in Beaumont or the surrounding area, whether or not the accident was caused by a texting and driving, you should speak to Beaumont car accident lawyer who can provide formidable representation. The legal team at Bernsen Law Firm has more than 52 years of combined experience. Contact us for a free initial consultation.