Denton to Enact Ban of Phone Usage While Driving

Originally published by Anderson Law Firm's Injury Blog.

Over the past several decades, the rise of technology has added ease to our lives, but it has come at a price. Texting, making phone calls or checking email while driving is commonplace, but these practices have increased the number of wrecks all across Texas.

Denton Votes On Cell Phones and Driving

One North Texas city has decided to join other cities nationwide in an attempt to end road accidents caused by drivers using their phones while driving. Denton, located just north of Fort Worth, will soon vote to determine whether or not the use handheld devices will be banned while driving. The vote is set to take place during the November 1st city council meeting.

If the vote to ban cell phone use while driving passes, Denton will join nearby cities Bedford, Hurst and Watauga.

The Outcome of the Vote Is Uncertain

Although many of Denton’s residents are in favor of the ban, there are residents who are against it, too. The November 1st vote currently has a divided prospect: one half of the council members approve the ban, and the other half disapproves of the ban.

Those against the ban have questioned its effectiveness, and believe that banning cell phone use while driving is an example of government overreach. Other opponents question law enforcement’s ability to detain those found on their phones while driving.

What’s the Current Law Against Distracted Driving in Texas?

There is currently no statewide ban on cell phone use while driving. However, certain cities prohibit the practice.

Of course, cell phone use is not the only form of distracted driving. Anything that takes a driver’s attention away from the road is a distraction. Some additional examples of this include:

• Eating or drinking
• Smoking while driving
• Riding with a loose pet in the car
• Turning around to get something from the back seat
• Playing music too loudly
• Daydreaming
• Applying makeup

There are no laws in Texas that prohibit any of these examples. However, if you were hurt in a wreck because another driver was doing one of these things, you can still make a claim against them. That’s because distracted driving is considered “negligent behavior.” It’s not illegal, but it’s putting others into harm’s way and therefore the distracted driver can be held responsible for a wreck that occurs as a result.

If you were hit by a distracted driver, you are entitled to make a claim for compensation under Texas law.

> Learn More About Distracted Driving Claims in Texas

Curated by Texas Bar Today. Follow us on Twitter @texasbartoday.

from Texas Bar Today http://ift.tt/2eCWvw0
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