Distracted Driving in Texas is More Than Texting Behind the Wheel

When you think of distracted driving, you probably think of those PSAs where they drill in your mind that texting and driving is bad. Well, Texas law actually recognizes a number of other factors that count as "distracted driving" besides being on your phone.

How Does Texas Define Distracted Driving?

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving occurs when any activity inside or outside of the vehicle diverts attention away from driving.

This can include using the cell phone, eating or drinking, talking to others inside the car, messing with the radio or navigation system, etc.

According to a Texas injury attorney firm, Burress Law, 2024 saw more than 91,000—370 of which were fatal—car accidents caused by distracted drivers in the state.

Burress also adds that, in Texas, anything that takes your eyes from the road is a distraction. Some common examples along with what was previously mentioned from NHTSA include the following:

• Interacting with a pet inside the car
• Smoking
• Fixing hair or applying makeup
• Searching for objects inside the car
• Listening to loud music either on the radio or through earbuds

"A car can travel the length of a football field in five seconds at a speed of 55 mph," Burress Law states. So, not paying attention for even a matter of seconds is extremely dangerous to yourself, your passengers, and others on the road.

When to Call 911

If you see a distracted driver on the road or any vehicle that is showing signs of being under the influence, you should always call 911 and give them your location and a description of the car including the license plate.