Connecticut Distracted Driving Campaign Could Apply in Texas

Austin, TX (Law Firm Newswire) March 5, 2015 – Virtually every American driver can admit that he or she has used an e-device while driving. Some are still alive today. Some are not.

“It’s clear, given the devastating death statistics, that drivers should not be multi-tasking. Keep your mind on your driving. Keep your hands on the wheel. Keep your roving eyes on the road ahead. If you don’t, you may not make it home. It’s just that simple,” said Austin injury lawyer Bobby Lee of Lee, Gober & Reyna.

Connecticut has launched a distracted driving campaign dubbed “Thumbs Up, Phones Down” that could work well in Texas. The campaign seeks to make people aware of the dangers of driving while distracted and to encourage them to keep their phones in their pockets or on their vehicle’s seat.

Drivers using cellphones behind the wheel have been responsible for approximately 1.6 million collisions every year since their mainstream popularity was established. After collisions, some victims live to campaign against phone use while driving. Others will never be able to tell people they wish they had not used their cellphone while driving. “Simply put, no selfie, text or phone call on the road is worth losing your life or taking the life of another. It only takes the blink of an eye for a disaster to happen,” Lee added.

Distracted driving is a criminal offense that may result in criminal charges. The family of someone killed may also file a wrongful death civil lawsuit against the offending driver.

Texting while driving is negligent, and negligence is considered when fault is apportioned in an accident. The more egregious the actions prior to the distracted driving accident (such as driving and texting while inebriated), the greater the degree of fault assigned to that person.

“Texting while driving about a bad date or a prom dress can wait. Your life, and the lives of others, depend on you driving safely, responsibly and with due care and attention,” said Lee.

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