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Statewide Texting-While-Driving Ban Is Close To Becoming Law

After receiving information from Austin police aboard the Cap Metro bus, this officer pulled over a driver suspected of driving while distracted. Austin's ordinance is far broader than the statewide bill banning texting while driving.
Miguel Gutierrez Jr. /KUT News.
After receiving information from Austin police aboard the Cap Metro bus, this officer pulled over a driver suspected of driving while distracted. Austin's ordinance is far broader than the statewide bill banning texting while driving.

From Texas Standard:

in 46 states, texting while driving is illegal. But not in Texas. It appears that could change on Tuesday. Though many cities in Texas ban using smartphones while driving, a bill is  en route to the governor's desk that specifically outlaws texting while driving. But your apps and GPS might still be within legal reach.

 

Ben Wear has been tracking this shift as Transportation Reporter for the Austin American-Statesman. He says the state bill covers far fewer in-car smartphone uses than local laws because that's what bill sponsor  Sen. Judith Zaffirini (D-Laredo) was able to get passed in the legislature."Basically, it refers to electronic messages being something you can't do with a handheld device while the car is moving," Wear says. "What that referred to was basically texting and emailing."

What you'll hear in this segment:

– Whether bans on texting and other smartphone use can be enforced effectively

– How much attention legislator gave to potential law enforcement abuse of a texting ban

– What happens to local ordinances that already address smartphone use by drivers

Copyright 2020 KUT 90.5. To see more, visit KUT 90.5.

Alain Stephens heads up investigative reports for Texas Standard. A graduate of the University of North Texas and a veteran of two of the U.S. armed forces, Alain served both in the Coast Guard and the Air Force. His work has won accolades for exposing how the state pays those with disabilities below minimum wage, as well as the fast-tracking of juveniles to adult prisons. Contact Alain at astephens@kut.org, or (512) 232-6173.