As of the 1st of September in 2017 texting while driving is officially illegal in Texas. What’s the punishment? Violators face a misdemeanor charge and a fine of between $25 to $99, although penalties could be as much as $200 for repeat offenders. “I think it’s a contributing factor to some of the accidents that we see in the City of Fredericksburg and in the surrounding area,” Fredericksburg City Manager Kent Myers said. “I think the final signature on the bill will help to reduce accidents throughout the area.” Myers said this will help “reduce” accidents but not avoid them completely.

In 2016, there were 109,658 traffic crashes in Texas involving distracted driving—up 3 percent over 2015.  More than 3,000 people were seriously injured as a result, and 455 died. These crashes were highest among new and younger drivers ages 16 to 34. The Texas Department of Transportation is asking all drivers to always keep their eyes and attention on the road and avoid distractions of any kind. The dangers of texting and driving are not only affecting the driver but also many others on a road. “That is the day that I began researching distracted driving,” said Jennifer Smith, a Dallas Resident, when interviewed by the Dallas News after her mother, Linda Doyle, passed away from a car accident due to texting while driving.

The new law passed by Greg Abbott, Governor of Texas, prevents people from texting while driving. Many people lose beloved family members to an accident caused by texting while driving. The law could also prevent people from being distracted with anything else while driving.