Using A Cellphone While Driving is Not Only Dangerous, in Austin It’s Illegal

Using A Cellphone While Driving is Not Only Dangerous, in Austin It’s Illegal

Nearly everyone has smartphones these days, and few of us go anywhere without them. Most of us always have our phone with us when we’re driving, and sometimes the temptation to check a text or look something up is hard to resist.

We can text, look up directions, play music, and a variety of other things that divide our attention while driving. But taking your eyes off the road, even for a millisecond, could mean the difference between life and death for us or someone else.

Using your phone while driving could mean you might end up using that same phone to find a good auto wreck lawyer, or in the worst-case scenario, a good criminal attorney.

Because smartphones are so common and can be extremely dangerous to use while driving, Austin, Texas is now a hands-free city. The new ordinance prohibits the use of all hand-held electronic devices while operating a vehicle or bicycle and a traffic citation can cost up to $500. That’s a pretty hefty fine, but consider that using your phone while driving could injure or even kill you, another motorist, or a pedestrian, and it should put the law and the fine in perspective.

Here at Briggle & Polan, PLLC,  we see far too many cases where someone has been injured or killed by someone texting or talking on their phone while driving. We hope that everyone takes this issue seriously and drives with their undivided attention at all times. But if you or someone you know is injured or killed by a motorist because they are using their phone while driving, our experienced attorneys are just a phone call away.