Is Texting While Walking Illegal in Texas?

March 7, 2018 - Pedestrian Accidents

While Texas has issued a statewide ban on texting while driving, there are currently no laws forbidding a person from texting while walking. Nevertheless, distracted walking causes numerous pedestrian injuries and can even result in fatalities. According to The National Safety Council, in 2016 there were 5,987 pedestrian fatalities, a 9% increase from 2015. Walking and texting accidents don’t just happen at intersections and crosswalks, either. More than half of these injuries happen in our homes.

Texting while walking is dangerous for a number of reasons. If you are traveling outside around moving vehicles, there is a great risk of getting distracted and injured. Pedestrians can be seriously injured at crosswalks and busy intersections because they aren’t paying attention to their surroundings. People who are texting tend to take slower steps and deviate from their paths as well, which also increases the risk of accidents. If a distracted walker is inside his home, he may trip over something or fall down the stairs, resulting in injury. So, while distracted walking is not considered illegal, it certainly can be dangerous. It is always best to refrain from using your phone or device while walking, especially in busy areas.

When an injury does happen, it can be hard to know who is at fault. The accident could have been the fault of the walker who was distracted, but equally, a driver or another pedestrian could have been distracted when the injury occurred. If you or someone you know is looking for a pedestrian accident lawyer in Corpus Christi, TX, please contact Reyna Law Firm today. They specialize in accidents and injuries, including pedestrian incidents.

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