Every day in Texas, distracted driving takes a toll on lives, families, and communities. In 2023 alone, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) reported nearly one in five crashes on Texas roads involved a distracted driver, many of them right here in Dallas and Carrollton.
April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and at The Law Offices of Tim O’Hare, we want to remind drivers just how dangerous and preventable these accidents are. As Dallas and Carrollton personal injury attorneys, we’ve seen firsthand the devastation that a single moment of inattention can cause. Whether you’re driving through Downtown Dallas, taking 35E in Carrollton, or navigating the suburbs of North Texas, staying alert behind the wheel is essential.
“Talk. Text. Crash.” — Texas’s Campaign to Curb Distractions
To combat this ongoing crisis, TxDOT continues its annual “Talk. Text. Crash.” campaign throughout April. This public safety initiative educates drivers about the wide range of distractions that can lead to a crash, including:
- Texting or talking on the phone
- Eating and drinking
- Grooming
- Adjusting the radio or GPS
Texting while driving is particularly dangerous because it combines visual, manual, and cognitive distractions, making it one of the deadliest habits on Texas roads.
Texas Distracted Driving Laws
TxDOT’s Distracted Driving campaign also reinforces the importance of Texas’s distracted driving laws. Since 2017, it has been illegal in Texas to read, write, or send a text while driving. In school zones, cell phone use is entirely banned unless the vehicle is stopped or the device is hands-free. Drivers under 18 are prohibited from using any wireless communication devices while operating a vehicle.
Violators face fines of up to $200, yet many drivers continue to ignore the law, risking their lives and the lives of others.
Despite existing laws, distracted driving crashes remain alarmingly common. If you’ve been injured by a distracted driver in Dallas or Carrollton, you may be entitled to compensation. Our knowledgeable personal injury attorneys can help you understand your rights after a car accident caused by distracted driving.
How to Drive Distraction-Free in North Texas
While you can’t control what other drivers do, you can take proactive steps to reduce your risk:
- Put your phone out of reach or use a hands-free device only when absolutely necessary
- Let a passenger respond to calls, texts, or navigation changes
- Avoid eating while driving—finish your meal before you hit the road
- Pull over completely to a safe location if you must check your phone
- Speak up—your safety matters and your voice could prevent an accident
By removing distractions, you’re not only following the law—you’re helping protect lives in your community.
What to Do If You’re Injured by a Distracted Driver
If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash caused by a distracted driver in Dallas, Carrollton, or anywhere in the DFW Metroplex, it’s critical to take the right steps:
- Seek medical attention – even for seemingly minor injuries
- Call 911 and request a police report
- Document the scene with photos, videos, and witness info
- Do not admit fault or speak to the at-fault driver’s insurance without legal counsel
- Contact a personal injury attorney who understands the complexities of Texas law
Injured in a Distracted Driving Accident? We’re On Your Side.
At The Law Offices of Tim O’Hare, we’ve built our reputation on helping injured Texans get the justice and compensation they deserve. From minor injuries to life-altering trauma, we know how to fight for what’s fair. If you or someone you care about has been harmed by a distracted driver, don’t wait to take action.
Our offices are conveniently located in Dallas and Carrollton. We offer free consultations, and you never pay unless we win your case.
