Does Passing Laws Banning Texting While Driving Really Help

I live in Texas where you can get a specialized license plate that says, "Don't Tread On Me" at the bottom.

Perhaps it is that kind of mentality that is the reason why Texas is one of only eight states in the country that has not

passed a statewide law banning texting while driving.

Why Has Texas Not Passed A Law Banning Texting While Driving

If we all know that sending a text message while driving is dangerous, then what is the hold up in Texas and the other seven states that have not banned the practice statewide.

Perhaps it is because it has been difficult to demonstrate that such a law really stops drivers from texting while

driving.

I play on a hockey team with a fellow that has been a police officer for over a decade.

He has been to the scene of hundreds of crashes in that time and he told me that he has never had a driver say to

him, "Office I am at fault because I was sending a text message while I was driving, got distracted and I caused the

accident.

" It just doesn't happen.

If driver's do not admit fault in a state that does not have a law prohibiting texting while driving, what do you think the chances are that drivers in states where it is against the law,

are going to step forward and admit responsibility.

And since most crash data is based on the self-reporting of drivers, then just how difficult is it to really know the degree of effectiveness of laws that

ban this kind of activity while driving?

So the question becomes, does passing a law banning sending a text while driving actually reduce this type of

cellphone use? Or does this type of law simply make drivers that much more leery to admit that they had been using

there cellphone to send a text message?

Cities Take The Lead In Banning Texting While Driving

In Texas, around forty cities have taken it upon themselves not to wait for the State of Texas to take action and have

passed ordinances prohibiting texting while driving.

Some cities, like Austin have even gone so far as to pass ordinances that ban drivers

from using any type of hands-free electronic device while

driving.

In Austin's case, they moved to this broader ban on all electronic devices because it is easier for police to see a

driver holding a cellphone up to their ear, than it is to see a driver holding a cellphone in their lap as they send a text

message while driving.

As someone who has lived in Texas for over thirty years I am all for the idea of not having my rights tread upon.

But that does not include the right of someone who chooses to be texting while driving being responsible for

damage to either my vehicle or my person.