Houston Distracted Driving Dangers

The convenience of cell phones cannot be understated. They have made it possible for people to reach out in the case of an emergency, have helped parents keep a closer on eye on their children, and have expedited the speed with which information is disseminated.

Unfortunately, cell phones have also brought some unintended and extremely dangerous consequences, especially when used behind the wheel.

The 2008 National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration report found that driver distraction was responsible for many fatal crashes (5,800 people killed) and 21% of crashes leading to a severe injury (515,000 people injured). Furthermore, AAA reports that 50% of teens confess to texting while driving.

To date, there are no national bans on texting or using a wireless device while behind the wheel of a car. However, 25 individual states have implemented laws banning texting and requiring the use of a hands-free device, Georgia and Michigan being the latest to implement bans.

Great measures are being taken to educate and inform teens of the hazards cell phone distraction causes when behind the wheel: from driver’s education to Oprah Winfrey leading a national campaign to stop distracted driving.

In June of 2009, Texas signed House Bill 55 into law. This law prohibits the use of a wireless communication device within a school crossing zone, unless the user implements a hands-free device. Texas House Bills 2730 and 339 restrict all drivers under the age of 18 from using a wireless communication device while driving.

Scientific Findings

The need for such laws has scientific backing. There is a science behind a diver’s inability to maintain concentration on the road and text at the same time. It is called inattention blindness, or perceptual blindness. This “blindness” is the mind’s inability to perceive that which is in plain sight. Humans have a limited capacity for attention which limits the amount of information processed at any one time.

Research indicates that a driver who texts while driving may not register objects in their line of sight, a stop sign or pedestrian for example. In addition to this, the driver who loses his/her peripheral vision has more reliance on tunnel vision.

An Experienced Houston Car Accident Attorney Can Help!

If you have been injured by a distracted driver, the Houston motor vehicle accident lawyers of the Wyly Law Firm can help.

Call us at (713) 574-7034 or fill out our online contact form!

These Hubs are provided for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Professional legal counsel should be sought for specific advice relevant to your circumstances.