A Dangerous New Digital World on the Road~2 min read

The risks of texting while driving are multiple and simply not worth taking, but folks continue to take chances everyday looking at their phones or tablets while operating a vehicle at highway speeds. According to legal experts at Springer & Lyle, the number of cases involving a digital device being used while driving have skyrocketed, especially after smartphones became easy to afford and widely available. Now, these portable computers are so engrained in our lives, people can’t put them down, even when operating a car for a length of time. States around the country have been challenged to respond to this risk-taking, and have done so with very serious new laws that come with enhanced penalties and criminal charges for drivers causing accidents while using a phone or tablet device. In fact, new tools are coming out almost daily that law enforcement can use to determine if a driver was using a phone, to what extent, what apps were used and what communication messages were sent at what time.

A common question by traffic officers at an accident, is whether the driver was using a phone, knowing the person is still in shock from the event. It’s causing a very different dynamic that changes the field with regards to legalities and many personal injury attorneys are still trying to catch up to these new rules. Currently the state of Texas is in a special session where we are hopeful some clarification will come to the texting while driving laws in Texas.

Fortunately, the Offices of Springer & Lyle are already aware of many changes in the laws that have been passed by different cities. We are also aware of the catastrophic injuries that result from distracted driving. If you or someone you know has been a victim of texting while driving or similar charges, call Springer & Lyle for help right away.