Cell phones have become an almost inseparable part of our lives. In fact, they can sometimes seem like they are glued to our hands with the effort it takes to put them down. Although many of us have become used to being constantly plugged in, there is one place that cell phone use has become extremely controversial: behind the wheel of a car.

Cell Phone Use Leads to Accidents

Anything that takes a driver's attention off the road is considered distracted driving, including using a cell phone. When a driver takes their focus off their surroundings, they increase their likelihood of being involved in a car accident. In fact, one in every four accidents in the United States can be linked to distracted driving, according to the NHTSA.

There are three forms of distracted driving:

• Visual: Removing your eyes from the road
• Manual: Doing anything that takes your hands off the wheel
• Cognitive: Using your focus and attention for something other than driving

Texting while driving is one way that all three forms of distracted driving apply. Drivers need to remove their eyes from the road to look at their phone, take their hand off of the wheel to type, and use their focus to create the content of the message they are sending.

What do cell phone bans look like?

While Texas does not have a state-wide ban on texting while driving for all drivers, some areas have taken it upon themselves to ban the use of cell phones behind the wheel. There are also certain restrictions that apply to certain motorists statewide, including:

• Ban on all cell phone use and texting for bus drivers
• Ban on all cell phone use and texting for novice drivers
• Ban on cell phone use and texting in school zones

Should Beaumont join many of the other areas in Texas that prohibit or ban texting while driving in the absence of state law? With the number of accidents and injuries that can be reduced by putting these laws in place, it would be well worth the minor inconvenience to create safer roadways for all.

At The Daspit Law Firm, we have helped many auto accident victims repair their lives after they were hurt by negligent motorists, including distracted drivers. If you have questions about your rights after a preventable crash, contact a Beaumont personal injury lawyer from our team for a free consultation.