Distraction is one of the leading causes of car accidents. Despite the well-known dangers of engaging in distracting behavior while behind the wheel, people still believe they can safely use their phones or do other risky things while driving. Even a moment of distraction can have devastating consequences, and innocent people can pay the price for this reckless and negligent behavior.
To combat this growing safety concern, road safety advocates, lawmakers and distracted driving victims are taking action. There has been a recent effort to curb this behavior and make the roads safer for everyone in the form of proposed legislation. The proposed change to Texas law would require drivers to put down their phones while behind the wheel; however, hands-free use of phones would still be permissible.
Supporting Allie’s Way Act
Allie’s Way Act, or Senate Bill 41, has been gaining support from those impacted by distracted driving accidents and others throughout the state. Allie was a toddler from Round Rock killed in an accident caused by a distracted driver, and her family and others have been honoring her memory in efforts to keep others safe. If passed, this new legislation would require drivers to put down their phones while operating a vehicle, only using hands-free functions. According to the terms of the bill, hands-free includes:
- Telephone attachment
- Speakerphone
- Bluetooth connectivity
Supporters of this bill point out that hands-free legislation has been successful in reducing the number of distraction-related accidents in other places. Results from a recent survey by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that almost 80% of all drivers support a hands-free bill.
Reducing distracted driving
Each driver is accountable for the choices that he or she makes behind the wheel. Drivers should diligently work to avoid distracted driving whenever possible by putting their phones away, inputting information in a GPS before they leave and putting notifications on silent. Distracted driving is a problem for everyone on the road, and it places each person at an elevated risk for an accident.
If you are the victim of an accident caused by distracted driving, you have legal options available to you. It may be possible to seek compensation and recovery through the civil justice system. You may benefit from seeking an assessment of your case from a knowledgeable professional who can provide you with insight regarding the specific legal options available to you.