Washington was one of the first states to recognize that they needed a law banning texting while driving. That happened in 2007, and since that time, all but nine states have jumped on the bandwagon.
The Governors Highway Association indicates 41 states, plus Washington, D.C., the Virgin Islands, Guam and Puerto Rico now all have laws in place banning texting while behind the wheel of a vehicle.
There are 14 states that not only have a ban on texting while driving, but have taken the law one more step by banning hand-held e-devices altogether. One state, Tennessee, bans reading or sending messages while a driver is in motion, but they may text while stopped at a red light. They also allow drivers to talk on cells while driving.
Many pundits feel that in the near future, Tennessee will take a look at their traffic accidents statistics and decide a complete ban may make more sense. Other states are still trying to decide whether to impose more laws on their citizens or not, while federally, the U.S. Transportation Secretary wholeheartedly supports a federal ban.
The nine states that are still trying to determine which way to go on the texting while driving issues are Texas, South Carolina, Oklahoma, Arizona, Mississippi, Montana, New Mexico, South Dakota and Missouri.
Banning what people see as their “right” to use cellphones and other mobile devices is always a hot button issue. However, even those who oppose this type of ban agree that something needs to be done to reduce the death toll as a result of distracted driving.
If you have been in an accident involving a distracted driver, contact an Austin personal injury lawyer for assistance in making a claim to the courts for compensation for your injuries.
Lee, Gober and Reyna – If you need a personal injury lawyer or help with an auto accident, motorcycle accident, wrongful death, or burn injury case, contact Lee, Gober and Reyna by visiting http://www.lgrlawfirm.com or calling 512.478.8080
