Not long ago the governor of Texas vetoed legislation that would have banned texting while driving across the state of Texas. The rationale was that government should not micromanage behavior of adults.
I strongly disagree with the veto and here's why. Study after study has shown that texting while driving can be as dangerous as drunk driving. In effect, texting while driving can make out two car lengths of safety cushion. More and more often, personal injury lawyers across the state of Texas are seeing accidents caused by inattention from cell phone use.
Many cities and municipalities across the state of Texas have undertaken the effort to pass legislation banning texting while driving in their jurisdiction. Texas desperately needed a statewide initiative so everyone can know what is acceptable to our community and what is not.
I do feel strongly that the government should not micromanage behavior of adults and that those who adopt that policy should apply it in circumstances that do not involve public safety. All too often, folks that don't want to micromanage one thing want to micromanage another that they want to push.
Like making drunk driving against the law, the government's function is to protect the society by adopting reasonable rules and restraints that society accepts and acknowledges as fair and reasonable. I would suggest that texting while driving fits those criteria.
Greg Baumgartner is a Houston 18-wheeler accident attorney and the founder of the Baumgartner law firm, which is dedicated to helping personal injury victims seek civil justice. If you would like to speak with a Houston semi truck accident lawyer call the Baumgartner firm.
