Approximately 1 in 5 crashes in Texas involves distracted driving, which continues to be a problem in the state even after a state law banned texting and driving in 2017, the Texas Department of Transportation says.
“Our message is no longer just a public safety suggestion to urge Texans to avoid distraction while operating a vehicle – it is to remind them of the law that now forbids such activity,” said TxDOT Executive Director James Bass in a statement released by the department. “One life lost is one too many and distracted driving is completely preventable.”
Since November 8, 2000, at least one person has died on Texas roadways every single day. The statewide texting while driving ban could be helping a little, TxDOT says. Recent data, collected from Texas Peace Officer’s Crash Reports (CR-3s) and current as of Feb. 27, show the number of crashes involving distracted driving in Texas decreased by 6% when comparing the 12-month periods before and after the statewide texting-while-driving ban took effect on Sept. 1, 2017.