The Texas legislature passed a bill that would make texting while driving a misdemeanor punishable by a $200 fine and up to 30 days in jail, and if texting led to a car wreck that caused serious injury or death, the offense would be elevated to a Class B misdemeanor with a maximum punishment of up to 180 days in jail and a $2000 fine. The legislation includes email and instant messaging in the definition of ‘texting.” This law follows cities, such as Austin, that previously banned texting while driving.
Considering that driver inattention is one of major causes of car wrecks, this type of legislation is an important step in making our highways in Dallas, Fort Worth, and throughout Texas safer. Regardless of the new law, it is negligent to text while driving. As such, if you were injured in a car wreck because the other driver was texting, call the Austin and Dallas car wreck attorneys at Wilson Trosclair & Lovins today at 214-484-1930. Let us fight for your rights.