Injuries and Death Caused By Texting While Driving

Distracted driving. It comes in all forms. As a Fort Worth personal injury lawyer I know that it's been around for years and it can case some awful wrecks responsible for life-threatening injuries. The most recent phenomenon is texting while driving. This includes trying to drive a car (or truck or even motorcycle) while composing, sending, or reading text messages, emails, or using the internet in a similar fashion. There’s no doubt it’s dangerous—your eyes are not on the road. And if your eyes are not on the road, how will you see what the car in front of you is doing? Or even worse, what about the car that doesn’t see you?

Texting and Driving

Texting while driving leads to increased distraction while operating a motor vehicle, such as a car, truck, or train. A study released in July 2009 by Virginia Tech's Transportation Institute found that when truckers text, they are 23 times more likely to be involved in a crash or close call. The study revealed that when traveling at 55mph, a driver texting for six seconds is looking at the phone for 4.6 seconds of that time and travels the distance of a football field without their eyes on the road.

Several recent studies have attempted to compare the dangers of texting while driving with driving under the influence of alcohol. One such study conducted by Car and Driver magazine in 2009 measured reaction-times to the onset of light on the windshield. The study compared stopping distances while reading a text message, replying to a text message, and while impaired. With a legally drunk driver, it took an extra 4 feet to stop from a speed of 70mph. By contrast, reading an e-mail added 36 feet and sending a text added 70 feet.

In the past two years, there has been an increase in legislation across the United States regarding texting and cell phone usage while driving. As of September 1, 2009, the state of Texas banned cell phone usage in school zones. The penalty for using a cell phone in a school zone is $50. Operators of passenger buses may not use a cell phone if minors are on board and drivers in the intermediate state of driving are also banned for the first 12 months. Effective in January 2010, the city of Austin has officially banned texting while driving.

The Anderson Law Firm encourages others not to text and drive. We sponsor an initiative in Tarrant County called Teens Against Distracted Driving (TADD). It encourages teens to sign a pledge whereby they agree not to text and drive. For more information on the Anderson Law Firm's distracted driving program, please see our TADD page.

If you have been injured in a car wreck caused by a distracted driver, call us for a free no obligation consultation on your case. Call toll free at 800-354-6275 or locally in Dallas at 214-327-8000 or in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900.

Other Articles You Might Be Interested In:
Traffic Safety Facts: Examination of Distracted Driving
Pledge Bracelet Program: Teens Against Distracted Driving
Drunk Driving v. Cell Phone Driving: Which One is More Dangerous?
The Anderson Law Firm sponsored the Teens Against Distracted Driving Project
Eating While Driving Is Distracted Driving

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Mark Anderson has been practicing personal injury law since 1991 and is recognised as one of the best attorneys in his field.

Mark is Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization – a distinction held by fewer than 2% of Texas lawyers. He was selected as a life member of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum as recognition for his success in recovering compensation for his clients. He has been honored with the prestigious AV Rating by the Martindale Hubbard System and has been rated 10/10 (the highest level possible) by the AVVO Rating System which ranks attorneys based on experience, conduct and industry recognition. Mark was selected as a Top Personal Injury Attorney by Fort Worth Magazine in 2009 and 2010.

For more information about Mark, see his biography.

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