Driving laws vary from state to state and city to city, especially when it comes to texting or using mobile devices while driving. It can be confusing when crossing state lines. For example, Texas is one of eleven states that do not prohibit texting for all drivers. Still, there are local laws banning distracted driving that vary by city. Amarillo, for instance, banned using cellphones for talking, texting, looking for directions and pretty much all hand held usage. This ban is strictly within the city limits of Amarillo and is scheduled to go in effect this month.
Likewise, Dallas, San Antonio, Austin, Galveston, El Paso, Missouri City, the Canyon and Stephenville are among the Texas cities that have also hopped on board in a fight against driving while distracted by using wireless devices. If you are within those city limits, be aware not to use any handheld device while behind the wheel. Does this mean drivers should take a defensive driving course in Houston or Fort Worth to be fully prepared for the higher number of distracted driving? That may not be a bad idea.
Until a statewide ban is enacted, to text or not to text is up to the discretion of the driver for those cities across the Lone Star State that still allow for mobile device use while driving. Governor Perry vetoed a ban on texting while driving which means the entire state won’t see a ban for some time. A new legislative session begins in 2013, and I can assume that we will see a similar law submitted again. Certainly there are benefits to remaining actively focused on the driving task rather than taking your eyes off the road by texting or checking emails on your phone. It saves lives and avoids collisions. In fact, a college student texted this message as he was unknowingly driving himself off of a cliff- “I need to quit texting, because I could die in a car accident.”
The other side of this debate is based on the argument for freedom from further laws legislating personal behavior. Are irresponsible drivers giving phone use while operating a vehicle a bad name? After all, with the busy schedules that most people are dealing with the convenience of checking emails, or looking for directions on a mobile device can seem necessary. Of course, if you do find yourself ticketed while in an area that has prohibited distracted driving; you may be eligible to take a Texas defensive driving course which will help cover the reasons why we think you shouldn’t be doing that. In the meantime, being aware of your districts’ local prohibitions will help you know what is or isn’t allowed while behind the wheel.
