Most Americans Support Ban on Texting, Cell Phone Use at the Wheel

Texas remains one of the few states in the country that have no bans on cell phone use or texting while driving. In fact, as many as 39 states and the District of Columbia have already passed legislation that prohibits motorists from using cell phones to have conversations or text message while driving. In fact, 10 states have also banned the use of hand-held cell phones while driving.

A new study finds that Texas legislators, who want to ban cell phone use while driving or texting while driving, could have a lot of public support. The study indicates that most Americans are in favor of cell phone and texting bans at the wheel.

The study was conducted by the Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics, and covered approximately 1,000 American households. The survey found that as many as 90% of the respondents were in favor of text messaging bans while driving, while 80% were in favor of bans on hand-held cell phone use by while driving. 39% were in favor of banning hands-free devices.

Texas can no longer afford to be on the sidelines as far as eliminating distracted driving is concerned. The state has no blanket ban on texting while driving or hand-held cell phone use while driving, although many cities have their own ordinances in place to restrict such practices at the wheel.

You don’t have to be a Houston vehicle accident attorney to believe that driving while using a cell phone to have a conversation or to read and send text messages is extremely distracting and increases your risk of an accident. Texas needs to step up, and pass such legislation to reduce accidents caused by inattentive drivers.