Pueblo Personal Injury Lawyer Applauds National Ban on Texting While Driving

As a Pueblo personal injury lawyer, I am pleased to see an outpouring of support from the auto industry on a wider ban on texting while driving.  Earlier this year, Colorado lawmakers made it illegal for drivers in the state to use a handheld mobile device while driving.  More stringent than similar laws in other states, the law prohibits Colorado motorists from handling a texting device even while stopped at a red light.  This legislation has prompted other states to take a closer look at their laws and consider revising them to meet the standards set by Colorado. 

On December 14, the Alliance of Auto Manufacturers got together and presented a written statement saying that reading or writing text messages affects a driver’s ability to safely operate a vehicle.  This powerful trade association is made up of eleven car and light truck manufacturers, including Chrysler, Ford, and BMW. 

According Alliance President and CEO, Dave McCurdy, using a hand-held device to make phone calls or send texts is a significant safety risk.  On behalf of the alliance, he expressed his support for a ban on hand-held texting and calling while behind the wheel, a behavior which has quickly become one of the most dangerous distractions for drivers. 

Nationwide Insurance conducted a study last year that estimated 20 percent of drivers sent text messages while driving, but for people between the ages of 18 and 24, the figure shoots up to 66 percent. 

While a texting ban is already in place within 14 states, fewer states have opted to ban cell phone use entirely.  The new Senate bill, which is sponsored by Democrat Chuck Schumer (NY) would withhold 25 percent of highway funding for states that choose not to ban texting while driving.

Families of victims involved in motor vehicle accidents caused by distracted drivers have been pushing for this legislation, and the expectation is that the bill will gain widespread approval.  If you or someone you love has been injured by a distracted driver in Colorado, consult with a Pueblo personal injury lawyer to learn more about your rights.