Did anti texting and driving laws reduce accidents?

[jason812]

Any data on whether the texting and driving ban has reduced automobile accidents? Judging by the amount of people I see driving while playing on their phones, I am willing to say no, the new law didn't do anything. This law was passed in the wake of a tragedy much like the excuses for passing new gun control laws.

[03Lightningrocks]

Any data on whether the texting and driving ban has reduced automobile accidents? Judging by the amount of people I see driving while playing on their phones, I am willing to say no, the new law didn't do anything. This law was passed in the wake of a tragedy much like the excuses for passing new gun control laws.

I did not even realize it was law until I saw it posted on this forum. I am continuously seeing people playing on their phones while driving LEO has to see them do it so I figure the morons simply put the phone down when a cop is around. When it gets a person it will be during an accident after the cops see you were texting at the same time as the wreck.

[anygunanywhere]

Any data on whether the texting and driving ban has reduced automobile accidents? Judging by the amount of people I see driving while playing on their phones, I am willing to say no, the new law didn't do anything. This law was passed in the wake of a tragedy much like the excuses for passing new gun control laws.

I did not even realize it was law until I saw it posted on this forum. I am continuously seeing people playing on their phones while driving LEO has to see them do it so I figure the morons simply put the phone down when a cop is around. When it gets a person it will be during an accident after the cops see you were texting at the same time as the wreck.

I see LEOs driving and playing on their phones.

[WTR]

After the law went into effect ( about a week) and there was a frequent advertisement on the radio about not using your cell phone, I saw a Police Officer talking on his phone. I honked and pointed at my phone. I got flipped off. Same as yesterday when a guy was not moving after the light turned green. I tapped the horn . He flipped me off and proceeded to drive down the road swerving like a drunk as he had his head buried in his phone.

[striker55]

Riding on a Metro bus to jury duty on the Katy Freeway I saw many driver's using their phones while driving. I drive with my full attention why risk an accident?

[jason812]

My point is that the lawmakers "just had to do something" to prevent another texting while driving crash. This law came about because of the 13 church members that were killed in a texting while driving crash. The lawmakers could stand up and tell the people they did something to prevent another tragedy.

Passing laws based on emotions do not work. The common sense texting while driving law didn't stop people from texting and driving just like common sense gun control will not stop another mass shooting.

[Ruark]

I think texting and driving should be elevated to a more serious crime, something up along the level of DUI. I drive a freeway (I-10) every day and you wouldn't believe what I see out there.

[KLB]

At least some of what you see re drivers with phones may relate to GPS maps. I don't text or make phone calls, but I do sometimes need to rely on GPS.

[WTR]

At least some of what you see re drivers with phones may relate to GPS maps. I don't text or make phone calls, but I do sometimes need to rely on GPS.

I don’t believe the use of a hand held device by the driver is legal period.

[03Lightningrocks]

At least some of what you see re drivers with phones may relate to GPS maps. I don't text or make phone calls, but I do sometimes need to rely on GPS.

I don’t believe the use of a hand held device by the driver is legal period.

I had to considered the use of the GPS. I bet you are right. Some of them probably are doing it for that reason.

[WildBill]

At least some of what you see re drivers with phones may relate to GPS maps. I don't text or make phone calls, but I do sometimes need to rely on GPS.

I don’t believe the use of a hand held device by the driver is legal period.

I had to considered the use of the GPS. I bet you are right. Some of them probably are doing it for that reason.

(c) It is an affirmative defense to prosecution of an offense under this section that the operator used a portable wireless communication device:
(1) in conjunction with a hands-free device, as defined by Section 545.425;
(2) to navigate using a global positioning system or navigation system;

https://www.lawserver.com/law/state/tex ... e_545-4251

[pushpullpete]

Passing laws based on emotions do not work. The common sense texting while driving law didn't stop people from texting and driving just like common sense gun control will not stop another mass shooting.

They have not.
I will repeat what many others have said,
'We are a nation of laws that needs NO MORE LAWS. We need better enforcement and stricter penalties.'
I earned my commercial license over 40 yrs ago. Things have changed over the yrs on the road. When first
enacted in Cali, that no cell thing exempted commercial drivers for a time (not sure of the time frame) and
I believe it's now illegal. I have thankfully been in Texas for a few years. I think that 1st responders are
actually exempt from that. I'll check for a statute.

[03Lightningrocks]

Passing laws based on emotions do not work. The common sense texting while driving law didn't stop people from texting and driving just like common sense gun control will not stop another mass shooting.

They have not.
I will repeat what many others have said,
'We are a nation of laws that needs NO MORE LAWS. We need better enforcement and stricter penalties.'
I earned my commercial license over 40 yrs ago. Things have changed over the yrs on the road. When first
enacted in Cali, that no cell thing exempted commercial drivers for a time (not sure of the time frame) and
I believe it's now illegal. I have thankfully been in Texas for a few years. I think that 1st responders are
actually exempt from that. I'll check for a statute.

One cannot compare laws forbidding talking on a cell phone with gun laws. There is no constitutional right to talk on the cell phone. There is a constitutional right to keep and bare arms.

[aero10]

When it gets a person it will be during an accident after the cops see you were texting at the same time as the wreck.

I've heard it's that, but also insurance companies could start using it as a reason to deny coverage.