We’ve all done it; we’ve driven distracted. Whether we’re having a snack, attending personal grooming, or using our phones, everyone is guilty of this bad habit, at least some of the time. It may give you pause, however, to learn that in 2023, the most recent year for which federal data is available, distracted driving claimed the lives of 3,275 people in the United States.
The Reality of Distracted Driving Accidents in Texas
In Texas, distracted driving is the second leading cause of accidents, according to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). It’s important to mention that distracted driving accidents are preventable, which makes the injuries and loss of life even more tragic. TxDOT data indicates that distracted driving accidents have increased substantially in recent years, due to a combination of busier lifestyles, cultural approval of multitasking, and, of course, the proliferation of smartphones. In 2024, over 91,000 accidents in Texas involved distracted drivers; this is a 4.4 percent increase over 2023. The result of these crashes? 380 deaths, thousands of serious injuries, and many devastated families whose lives were changed forever as a result of someone’s careless decision.
Truck Driver Distraction Dangers
Truck driver distraction is more dangerous than the distraction that impacts those who drive smaller vehicles, simply because the mass of trucks increases the impact of the accident and the possibility of tragedy. What makes truck drivers take their eyes off the road? The top distraction for truck drivers is the same distraction that tops the list for other drivers: mobile phones. Reading or sending a message while driving is like closing your eyes for five seconds while driving. At 55 miles per hour, that equates to the length of a football field. The weight limit for a fully loaded 18-wheeler is 80,000 pounds. Imagine trying to maintain control over 80,000 pounds of vehicle with your eyes closed! Phones aren’t the only distraction, though. A truck is also the truck driver’s workplace, all sorts of gadgets are on board, including GPS units, two-way radios, and so on, and all of these can be distracting. Then, too, truck drivers drive long distances, often eating, drinking, or smoking as they do, and this can be taking their hands off the wheel and their attention off the road. Of course, things outside of the vehicle can be distracting too, and drivers are also distracted by fatigue and drowsiness.
Understanding Texas Distracted Driving Laws
Texas is late for the party when it comes to distracted driving laws, and the laws here are not particularly comprehensive. While texting and driving is not legal, people are allowed to use their handsets, and even to send texts from a red light. What’s more, beyond texting, there are no laws against other forms of distracted driving. This means that if you are the victim of a distracted driving accident, you need a strong legal team on your side, to make the best case and show the negligence of the other party.
Best Practices to Prevent Distracted Driving Crashes
Distracted driving accidents may be more severe when a truck is involved, but they’re dangerous no matter how large the vehicle is. That’s why it’s on all of us to make sure we’re not driving distracted, and to help encourage others not to do so. When you are beginning a drive, whether you’re a truck driver leaving for a long trip or you’re simply headed around the corner, Do the things you need to do before you start the car. Set the GPS with the right coordinates, adjust the mirrors, set up your music, put on your seatbelt, and begin your drive with nothing left to distract you. Make the most of hands-free technology, so that if you need to make or take a phone call, you can do it safely, with your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road. Because even hand-free conversations can be distracting, keep calls short. Schedule regular breaks on long drives, and don’t multitask while you are driving. Be aware that national safety science identifies four different types of distracted driving:
- Visual Distractions: This is when your attention is diverted from the road, causing gaps in your attention. While a minor visual distraction, like checking the GPS or looking at a passenger, may seem harmless, even 2 seconds of time not focused on driving can have tragic consequences.
- Manual Distractions: When a driver takes one or both hands off the steering wheel, whether to eat, drink, adjust some controls in the car, apply makeup, or shave, control of the vehicle is temporarily lost. If a sudden emergency occurs, this can be disastrous.
- Cognitive Distractions: Even if eyes are on the road and hands are on the wheel, if a driver is having an intense conversation with someone in the car or on the phone, this can be just as dangerous as other types of distraction. Even if the driver is simply daydreaming or thinking about something stressful, this shift of focus can be a danger, because divided attention prevents the driver from fully processing driving-related information.
- Technology-Related Distractions: Smartphone usage is the biggest source of distraction, but it’s not the only technology that contributes to the problem. The GPS, in-vehicle control systems, and entertainment system controls all tempt the driver to shift focus from the road.
If You’re in a Car Accident Caused by Texting, Nava Law Group, P.C. is On Your Side
Whether you were the distracted driver, or your accident was caused by another’s distraction, you need an experienced team of car accident lawyers at your side. At Nava Law Group, P.C., we’re deeply committed to safety advocacy and passionate about our clients. That’s why we always give 100 percent to each case, using our experience and legal skills to get the results injured victims need. With more than 150 years of combined experience, we have established our firm as a pillar of the community, earning a solid reputation in the community, in the courts, and among our peers. We offer aggressive advocacy and top-notch legal representation and strive to always take the best approach for a favorable resolution on our client’s behalf. We’re a different type of law firm, and if you are interested in learning more about how we can assist you, contact Nava Law Group, P.C. today.
