Texas leads the nation in the number of traffic deaths, according to statistics compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Since November 7, 2000, at least one individual has died in a Texas car accident. In 2017, more than 3,700 people died in traffic accidents. These startling statistics have motivated several Texas lawmakers to propose bills and policies that would increase traffic safety. Some of these new proposals are detailed below.
Goal to Achieve Zero Traffic Fatalities
The Texas Transportation Commission recently heard a presentation from the director of engineering and safety operations of the Texas Department of Transportation. According to this presentation, the department is seeking to eliminate all traffic fatalities in the state by 2050. Washington was the first state to adopt a state goal of zero fatalities in 2000. More than half of states now have such goals.
Austin adopted a similar plan in 2016, hoping to end traffic fatalities and serious injuries by 2025. Other cities across Texas have adopted similar plans. These programs focus on developing:
- Better enforcement of existing laws
- Education programs
- Better road design
Another way to achieve this goal is through reducing the default speed limit in certain areas. State Representative Celia Israel of Austin has written House Bill 1287, which would lower roads with unmarked speed limits from 30 mph to 25 mph unless there was a traffic study completed on the road that justified a higher limit. Many pedestrians and cyclists are seriously injured or killed in areas with this speed limit. Currently, this bill has made it out of committee, but it is currently stalled on the agenda for debate and a full vote.
Total Ban on Handheld Electronic Devices
State Senator Judith Zaffirini of Laredo has proposed Senate Bill 43, which would serve as a ban on all use of handheld electronic devices while driving in the state. It would follow the lead of Austin’s city ordinance that prohibits handheld device use while driving. The current law only prohibits texting while driving. Motorists in most part of the states can currently engage in other forms of distracted driving with their handheld devices, including:
- Talking on their phone
- Adjusting GPS instructions
- Browsing the web
- Using their cell phone for any other purpose than reading, writing or sending electronic messages
In 2017, there were more than 100,000 crashes that involved distracted driving. This resulted in 2,889 serious injuries and 444 deaths.
If the bill is passed, all uses of electronic devices while driving would be banned unless the driver uses a hands-free device. However, this bill has not received much support in the legislature. It has not had a Senate committee hearing, which is the first step in passing a bill. Since the texting ban was passed recently in 2017, the legislature may not be prepared to make any meaningful changes to this relatively recent law.
Protecting Pedestrians
State Representative Celia Israel of Austin also proposed House Bill 1289, which would require drivers to stop and yield for pedestrians who are legally present in a crosswalk if the bill is passed. The current law only requires drivers to “yield” but not “stop” for pedestrians in a crosswalk while a walk sign is triggered or when there is not a traffic light. This slight change is being proposed to help decrease the number of pedestrian crosswalk accidents. This bill has also not received a committee hearing.
Changing Semantics
Another interesting change that is being proposed would change every instance of the word “accident” in the state law to “crash.” If passed, House Bill 4243 would do just that, indicating that these instances are not inevitable and drivers do have myriad ways to prevent them. The idea behind this bill would be to hold drivers who cause collisions accountable for them. This bill also has not had a committee being.
What to Do If You Are Injured in a Car Accident
Despite the recent developments in traffic laws in Texas, the truth is that collisions continue to occur on a daily basis. It is important to protect your rights if you are injured in a crash. Working with an experienced Texas personal injury lawyer can help you learn about the potential value of your claim and your path to recovery. Call us today to schedule a free consultation.
