Dangers of distracted driving
Distracted driving puts the driver, passengers, pedestrians, and other drivers at risk. Some common distracted driving activities include:
- Texting – Taking eyes off the road for 5 seconds at 55 mph means driving the length of a football field blind.
- Talking on a cellphone – Drivers engrossed in phone conversations miss seeing up to 50% of what’s around them.
- Eating – Reaching for food or utensils takes focus away from the road.
- Applying makeup – Drivers take their eyes off the road for an average of 4.4 seconds.
- Programming navigation – Looking away from the road to program navigation endangers everyone.
Any distraction while driving can be deadly. Responding to children in the backseat or talking to passengers can create a potentially fatal distraction from the road.
Houston accident driving statistics
In 2023, Houston experienced approximately 67,644 motor vehicle crashes, 290 fatalities, and 1,612 serious injuries. The city’s roadways, particularly major thoroughfares like I-45 (Gulf Freeway), are among the most dangerous in the nation, contributing to many accidents.
Texas distracted driving laws
Texas has banned texting while driving since September 1, 2017. Drivers face fines of $99 for first-time offenses, then $200 for subsequent violations. Drivers who cause an accident while texting can be fined up to $4,000. While this addresses texting, drivers can still use handheld phones and engage in other distracting behaviors without penalty.
Some Texas cities have enacted stricter distracted driving laws than the state. Currently, Houston has no bans beyond the statewide texting law. With distracted driving remaining prevalent locally, Houston leaders may consider passing ordinances to curb this high-risk behavior.
Drivers should refrain from distractions
Houston car accident lawyers say that the best way to prevent distracted driving crashes is to focus on driving anytime behind the wheel. If you need to text, make a call, eat, or engage in other distracting tasks – pull over safely first. Passengers can help by speaking up if a driver uses their phone or engages in other risky behaviors.
All road users have a role to play in reducing distracted driving in Houston. Drivers need to put their phones away, keep their eyes on the road, and speak up when they see unsafe driving behaviors around them. This is the best way to improve road safety and save lives in the community.
Making UK car data easy to understand, one blog at a time. As a part of CarAnalytics Content Team, she combines her SEO experts, data analysts, and digital writers dedicated to helping drivers make informed, confident car-buying decisions. She specialises in translating complex topics like MOT, write-off categories, and outstanding finance and more into clear, accessible guides.
From car tax a ULEZ rules to pricing trends and ownership tips, she covers every step of buying, selling, and owning a used car in the UK. Backed by real data and industry insight, she aims to give readers clarity, confidence, and peace of mind. When she’s not writing, she’s likely enjoying a quiet countryside drive.
