Can Nevada’s Education Program Really Curb Texting While Walking?

Austin, TX (Law Firm Newswire) September 26, 2014 – Nevada law enforcement officials are considering an education campaign about the dangers of using smartphones while driving and walking.

“It’s a given that using a cellphone while driving is deadly. Law enforcement departments are seeing more and more crashes involving one or both of drivers texting or talking while behind the wheel. But all traffic interaction is dangerous if a person is distracted. The rate of pedestrians injured while texting in and near streets is also rising,” outlined Bobby Lee of Lee, Gober & Reyna in Austin.

The Nevada Department of Transportation, in partnership with local police forces, is considering mounting an educational campaign addressing the dangers of texting while walking across the street, similar to past DUI campaigns. Local police are aware that the texting issue is larger than any department could enforce, and they point to the problem’s prominence, obvious just by observing people on the street.

“Distracted pedestrians don’t stand a chance when they walk in front of a moving vehicle,” said Lee. “This is the kind of campaign needed in Texas. The Nevada DOT is calling theirs “28 Days”. The catchphrase refers to a program aimed at text violators appearing in court. To avoid a citation, they must not use their mobile devices for 28 days.”

A successful campaign could save lives. Many people do not understand that there is an element of negligence in what they are doing. If a person texts, drives and is involved in an accident, he or she will be cited as the at-fault driver in the best-case scenario. If a person texts while walking, wanders into the road and is hit, he or she may face either serious injuries or death.

“Texting is far more serious than many people realize. Lives hang in the balance when drivers and pedestrians are engaged with an electronic device that takes attention away from driving or walking safely. If we cannot correct ourselves, can further education make a difference?” asked Lee.

To learn more, visit http://www.lgrlawfirm.com Lee, Gober & Reyna 11940 Jollyville Road #220-S Austin, Texas 78759 Phone: 512.478.8080