City of Denton Bans Texting While Driving

In a move that’s being called a good first step towards safer roads, Denton city officials have voted to ban texting while driving. Anyone caught texting and driving could face a $200 fine.

Under the new rules, drivers will not be allowed to text, surf the internet or use other handheld electronic devices while operating a vehicle. However, talking on your phone is still allowed, as long as you are using a hands-free device.

Signs promoting the awareness campaign have been posted on 38 city-run roads. However, no signs were posted on I-35 or its service roads to avoid confusing out-of-town drivers.

Leading Factor in Most Crashes = Distracted Driving!

What if everyone drove with a blindfold on? That would be scary and you wouldn’t feel safe on the road. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 11 percent of vehicles are being driven by a person holding a hand-held electronic device. That means over 800,000 drivers are not paying full attention to the road and might as well be blindfolded.

Three Main Types of Distracted Driving

• Taking your eyes off the road
• Taking your hands off the wheel
• Taking your mind off what you’re doing

Distracted Driving Statistics

Using a cell phone while driving, whether its hand-held or hands-free, delays a drivers reactions as much as having a blood alcohol concentration at the legal limit of .08 percent.

• 15- to 19-year-olds make up the largest proportion of distracted drivers.
• Talking on a cell phone while driving can make a young driver’s reaction time as slow as that of a 70-year-old.
• Studies have found that texting while driving causes a 400 percent increase in time spent with eyes off the road.

At the law offices of Anderson, Cummings & Drawhorn, LLP, a licensed personal injury lawyer from our law firm may be able to help you to obtain compensation for the property damage and injuries that were the result of a distracted driving car accident.

If you or someone you deeply care about has been hurt in an automobile accident, we strongly recommend that you speak with a qualified Fort Worth car accident attorney from our firm, who is experienced in handling passenger car, motorcycle and commercial truck negligence accidents.

Call (817) 920-9000 to set up a free initial consultation, or fill out our online consultation form in the corner of your screen to be contacted by one of our knowledgeable attorneys.