Safety Advocates Offer Best Ideas to Reduce Texas Traffic Accidents

April 22nd, 2019

In their 2019 report, the Advocates for Highway & Auto Safety (AHAS) raises concerns regarding highway safety. The organization identifies 16 essential highway laws they believe all states should adopt and enact.

The report said that every single state still has gaps in their laws. However, if they passed just one measure this year, substantial safety improvements for occupant protection, child passenger safety, teen drivers, impairment and distraction could be accomplished.

In 2019, Texas saw a total of 3,722 traffic fatalities, and a total of 33,837 people lost their lives on Texas roads over the last 10 years.

Traffic Safety Laws Texas Should Enact

Among the 16 recommended laws, enacting the following provisions could potentially curtail serious injuries and fatalities, according to the report.

  • All-rider motorcycle helmet lawTexas law only requires motorcycle riders under 21 to wear helmets. Riders over 21 are not required to wear helmets if they have completed a safety course or meet certain insurance requirements.
  • Rear-facing child seats (through age 2): In a November 2018 publication, The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommended that Texas lawmakers enact stricter child transportation laws – including requirements for rear-facing child seats.
  • Minimum age of 16 to obtain a learner’s permit: Currently, Texas allows teenagers as young as 15 to obtain learner’s permits, if they have completed a state-approved drivers education course.

Laws Texas Currently in Place

  • Primary enforcement of both front and rear seat belts
  • Booster seat requirements for children
  • Six-month holding period provision for teen drivers
  • All-offender ignition interlocks
  • Child endangerment law
  • Open container law
  • All-driver text messaging restriction
  • Cell phone restrictions for teen drivers

Responsibility Still Falls on Drivers

We can only rely so much on state and federal regulations. Most of the responsibility falls on drivers. Regardless of which laws aren’t currently enacted, crashes can be prevented by staying attentive, sober, alert, and patient behind the wheel.

When someone’s negligent actions cause an injury or death, the responsible party should be held accountable. The experienced auto accident attorneys at Chad Jones Law know how to help crash victims build strong claims and get results.

If you or a loved one was injured in a truck accident, contact our firm to schedule a free consultation.