Car Accidents, Distracted Driving

San Marcos, Texas Goes “Hands-Free” Only

The city council of San Marcos, Texas officially passed a hands-free ordinance in November 2015 with an effective date of February 1, 2016.

With their slogan “No Hands, No Hassle” the city hopes to inform San Marcos residents and visitors of the new law and to make the transition to hands-free devices while driving as smooth as possible. The council recognized the seriousness of driving while talking or texting and designed the new law to protect those who are driving, walking, or riding their bikes from inattentive drivers.

Starting March 1, 2016 officers in San Marcos will be on the lookout for violators and begin issuing tickets. Fines for a first offense is $100, a second citation is $250, and if stopped a third time the fines rises to $500. The point of the law is to encourage people to put down the phone and stay attentive. Statistics show that accidents happen more often when drivers are distracted while using a cell phone. People who use their cell phones while driving put the lives of their passengers, pedestrians and other drivers at risk of injury, or even death.

Austin, Texas adopted a similar ordinance prohibiting the use of electronic hand-held devices while operating a car or bicycle back in January 2015. If you’ve been injured in an accident caused by a distracted driver, it’s extremely important to contact a personal injury attorney immediately in order to preserve certain legal rights. If you are looking for an Austin Distracted Driving Accident Attorney contact Terry and Kelly, PLLC today at 512-910-2000 for a free consultation and case evaluation.