1 in 5 crashes involves driver distraction, according to the Texas Department of Transportation. A statewide ban took affect Friday Sept 1st;
- The law targets people who are reading, writing or sending a text message while driving – If you absolutely have to text find a safe place to pull off the road.
- Law enforcement are watching for drivers who are distracted, and/or swerving which may indicate texting while driving.
- If a driver is stopped at a red light, it’s not a violation to look at your phone that’s not “operating a vehicle” — when the light turns green. “If an officer sees the vehicle moving that’s texting and driving, and an officer can pull over the driver.
- Cellphones can be used for GPS navigation and music
- What can you do?: Try hands-free technology, there is Bluetooth or apps available for you to speak message you want sent.
- Exception: Use / call to report illegal activity or a ‘car accident’ emergency or medical emergency.
- Violation costs: $99 for the first offense; penalties could be as much as $200 for repeat offenders.
Source: CW 33
What you to know about Texas’ ban on texting while driving that starts Friday https://t.co/RP5WZ00r2W pic.twitter.com/oqWWHynHZs
— CW33 TV (@CW33) September 1, 2017
