Stay Focused, Drive Safe: The Truth About Phone Distractions and Car Accidents in Texas

Distracted driving isn’t just a bad habit—it’s a deadly epidemic. Across Texas, where long commutes and ever-busy highways test drivers’ patience, phones have become the ultimate temptation. Whether it’s checking a quick text or social media, too many drivers split their attention between the road and their screens, often with devastating consequences. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving crashes take the lives of nine people every day in the United States. In Texas,the consequences of distracted driving are alarming. The growing reliance on smartphones and in-car technology means understanding the dangers, laws, and consequences of distracted driving has never been more critical. If you’ve ever wondered, “How dangerous is it to glance at my phone while driving?” or “What should I do if a distracted driver hits me?”—you’re not alone. This guide compiled by our Carrollton car accident lawyers will walk you through the statistics, laws, and steps to protect yourself and others on the road.

The Shocking Reality of Distracted Driving in Texas

Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents in the Lone Star state. Consider these staggering statistics:

  • Over 100,000 crashes were attributed to distracted driving in Texas in 2023.
  • These crashes resulted in nearly 400 deaths and over 2,800 serious injuries.
  • Sending or reading a text takes your eyes off the road for about five seconds—long enough to cover more than the length of a football field if you’re driving at highway speeds.

Distracted driving isn’t just a personal risk—it’s a public safety crisis that affects everyone on the road. To combat this, Texas has implemented strict laws to reduce distracted driving and save lives.

What Does Texas Law Say About Using Phones While Driving?

To address the rising dangers of distracted driving, Texas enacted House Bill 62 in 2017, banning the use of phones for texting while driving. Here’s what the law says:

  • Reading, writing, or sending electronic messages (including texts, emails, or social media posts) is illegal while operating a vehicle.
  • Drivers cannot use their phones to access the internet or view content such as videos.
  • School zones have stricter rules, where all handheld phone use is prohibited, regardless of the activity.
  • For drivers under 18 and bus drivers with passengers under 17, any phone use while driving is strictly banned.

Violations of these laws result in penalties, including:

  • First offense: Fines up to $99.
  • Subsequent offenses: Fines up to $200.
  • Serious accidents caused by texting: A Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to $4,000 in fines and a year in jail.

While hands-free devices, such as Bluetooth, are allowed under the law, they aren’t risk-free. Studies reveal that even hands-free technology can lead to cognitive distractions, keeping your mind off the road even when your hands are on the wheel.

The Hidden Risks of “Hands-Free” Technology

Many drivers assume hands-free devices are safe alternatives. But the truth is, they come with their dangers. According to the National Safety Council:

  • Drivers using hands-free devices miss up to 50% of their surroundings due to “inattention blindness.”
  • The brain remains distracted for up to 27 seconds after a voice command ends.
  • Conversations, even hands-free, significantly reduce reaction times.

Distracted driving isn’t just about where your hands are—it’s about where your mind is. Even with hands-free technology, your focus on the road diminishes, increasing the risk of accidents. Staying fully present while driving isn’t just a good habit, it’s a lifesaving practice.

How to Stay Safe and Avoid Distractions While Driving

If you want to reduce your risk of being involved in a distracted driving accident, here are practical steps you can take today:

  1. Activate Do Not Disturb Mode: Many phones now offer this feature, which blocks notifications while you’re driving.
  2. Plan Ahead: Input your GPS destination before you start driving.
  3. Pull Over Safely: Need to make a call or send a text? Stop in a safe location first.
  4. Keep Conversations Short: If hands-free is a must, keep voice commands minimal and necessary.

What to Do After a Distracted Driving Accident

A collision with a distracted driver can turn your life upside down in an instant. In the chaos that follows, knowing what steps to take is essential to protect your well-being and your rights. Here’s a practical checklist to guide you through this challenging time:

  1. Document the Scene: Take photos and/or videos of the accident and gather contact information from witnesses.
  2. Seek Medical Attention: Even minor injuries should be evaluated by a doctor.
  3. Preserve Evidence: Keep phone records, traffic camera footage, and any other documentation.
  4. Contact an Attorney: Reaching out to a Dallas personal injury lawyer promptly can make all the difference. An experienced attorney who understands the nuances of Texas law will guide you through the legal process, protect your rights, and help maximize your chances of recovering the compensation you deserve.

At The Law Offices of Tim O’Hare, we specialize in helping victims of distracted driving accidents recover medical expenses, lost wages, and damages for pain and suffering.

Stay Focused, Drive Safe: The Truth About Phone Distractions and Car Accidents in Texas

One Call Can Change Everything

No text or call is worth a life. If you’ve been injured by a distracted driver, it’s time to take action. Contact The Law Offices of Tim O’Hare today for experienced legal guidance. Our experienced team of personal injury lawyers in Dallas and Carrollton are committed to holding negligent drivers accountable and helping victims rebuild their lives.

Distracted driving is preventable—and together, we can make Texas roads safer for everyone.

Contact us today for a free, no-obligation case evaluation.