Adley Law Firm Explores Texas Traffic Laws and Their Impact on Driver Safety
Texas has one of the largest networks of highways and some of the highest traffic volumes in the country. While laws are in place to ensure road safety, car accidents continue to cause thousands of fatalities and injuries annually. According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), there were over 4,400 traffic fatalities in Texas in 2022—a staggering reminder of the dangers on our roads.
So, how effective are Texas traffic safety laws? What measures exist to protect drivers, passengers, and pedestrians? Below, we’ll analyze the strengths and weaknesses of Texas traffic laws and discuss how they compare to other states. At Adley Law Firm, we’re committed to helping Houston accident victims understand and navigate these laws to seek justice and compensation.
Strong Traffic Laws That Protect Texas Drivers
Texas has enacted several important traffic laws aimed at reducing accidents and protecting road users. These laws address key areas such as seat belt use, child safety, and motorcycle helmets.
Seat Belt Laws
Texas enforces a primary seat belt law under Texas Transportation Code § 545.413. This law requires all drivers and passengers to wear seat belts, regardless of their seating position in the vehicle. Law enforcement officers can stop and ticket drivers solely for seat belt violations. According to TxDOT, seat belt use saved over 1,200 lives in Texas in 2022, highlighting the importance of this legislation.
Child Passenger Safety
Under Texas Transportation Code § 545.412, children under 8 years old must be secured in an appropriate child safety seat unless they are taller than 4 feet, 9 inches. Proper use of child safety seats can reduce the risk of fatal injuries for infants by 71%, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Motorcycle Helmet Requirements
Texas law mandates helmet use for motorcycle riders under 21, as stated in Texas Transportation Code § 661.003. Riders 21 and older may ride without a helmet if they complete a safety course or carry adequate health insurance. Although helmet use is optional for some, studies show that helmets are highly effective in preventing fatalities, reducing the risk of head injury by 69% in crashes.
Challenges and Areas for Improvement
While Texas has strong traffic safety laws, gaps remain in addressing key risk factors like distracted driving and impaired driving. Strengthening these laws could help reduce crashes and fatalities even further.
Distracted Driving
Texting while driving is prohibited in Texas under Texas Transportation Code § 545.4251. However, the state has yet to adopt a comprehensive ban on handheld device use, leaving room for distracted driving behaviors that contribute to accidents. In 2022, distracted driving was linked to over 100,000 crashes in Texas, resulting in nearly 500 fatalities.
Impaired Driving
Drunk driving remains a leading cause of traffic fatalities in Texas. Drivers convicted of driving while intoxicated (DWI) face penalties under Texas Penal Code § 49.04, including fines, license suspension, and jail time. Despite these measures, impaired driving accounted for 25% of all traffic deaths in 2022. Advocates recommend expanding the use of ignition interlock devices for all DWI convictions, a step that Texas has yet to implement universally.
Teen Driving Restrictions
Texas uses a graduated driver licensing (GDL) system to reduce risks for young drivers. Under this system, teens as young as 15 can obtain a learner’s permit, and full driving privileges are granted by 18. However, studies show that stricter GDL systems can significantly reduce crashes among young drivers. The CDC reports that teens are nearly three times more likely to be involved in fatal crashes compared to older drivers.
How Texas Traffic Laws Compare Nationally
Texas traffic laws are a mix of strengths and weaknesses when compared to other states. For instance:
- Texas is one of 19 states with a primary seat belt law covering all passengers, but helmet use for motorcyclists is not universally required.
- Comprehensive distracted driving bans are common in other states, whereas Texas limits its ban to texting while driving.
- States like California and New York require ignition interlock devices for all DWI convictions, while Texas mandates them only in limited circumstances.
According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, states with more robust traffic safety laws tend to have lower crash rates and fatalities, indicating areas where Texas could improve.
Adley Law Firm: Your Advocates After a Houston Car Accident
Traffic accidents in Texas cause thousands of preventable injuries and deaths each year. At Adley Law Firm, we are dedicated to helping accident victims seek justice and fair compensation. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car crash caused by another driver’s negligence, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone.
We understand Texas traffic laws and how they apply to your case. From negotiating with insurance companies to representing you in court, our experienced team will fight for your rights every step of the way. Contact us today for a free consultation. Call (713) 999-8669 or fill out our online form. Let us help you get the compensation you deserve.
