Driving and Texting

Texting has become the primary form of communication for some people, especially for teens. The popularity of texting in this age group has even surpassed phone calls. Unfortunately the rise in texting has also led to a rise in texting while driving. People often feel the need to communicate immediately, even when the matter isn’t urgent, and they resort to focusing on the screen in their hand instead of the traffic ahead. While driving and texting is a relatively new trend, an alarming number of accident deaths have already occurred as a result of this new form of distracted driving.

Driving and texting are two tasks that require visual focus and physical control. A driver has to focus on maintaining speed and direction, watching ahead for cross traffic or changing traffic lights, and anticipating the movements of other vehicles or vulnerable road users such as cyclists and pedestrians. Likewise, a texter must focus on a screen to properly type a message, concentrate on what he or she wants to say, and physically press the right buttons in order to type and send the message.

When these two activities are combined and a person’s attention is split, neither activity can be performed well. A botched text message may cause a moment of confusion, but even a minor driving mistake can cause a deadly accident.

The Risks of Texting while Driving

A recent study completed by the American Automobile Association (AAA) reveals that the risk of having an accident when texting while driving is 50% greater than the risk of an accident when driving attentively. Drivers distracted by texting have injured and killed pedestrians, young children and adults on bicycles, other drivers, and passengers. The best preventative measure one can take to protect him or herself and others is to simply never text while driving. The message can wait.

If you or someone you love has been involved in an accident with an individual who was texting while driving, consider contacting a personal injury attorney immediately. A personal injury lawyer will fight to hold the liable party legally accountable in court and will fight to get you the compensation that you deserve for your injuries and damages.

Contact Us

For assistance with your driving and texting accident case, don’t hesitate to contact experienced Austin personal injury lawyer Vic Feazell, P.C. today at 877-948-4842.