In a recent story on San Antonio local news (WOAI), it was reported that records from the Texas Department of Transportation’s database indicate that since 2005 San Antonio law enforcement officers have cited cell phone use as a contributing factor in more than 17,519 accidents with 7,519 injuries and 167 deaths. Further, according to the report, San Antonio had the highest number of cell phone related crashes in Texas over the past five years.
Driver inattention due to cell phone use is not new; studies have reported the effects of cell phone use while driving as being the same, if not worse, as a driver having consumed alcohol or marijuana and driving. Injuries caused by drivers that are texting can be serious and severe. This level of driver, on busy roadways, places the entire driving public at risk. The highest risk areas are spread throughout San Antonio, according to the local news report – Loop 1604 at IH-10; Loop 1604 at Hwy. 281; Bandera Rd. at Loop 410; and even downtown streets are cited.
Determining fault in a auto accident may require an in-depth look into the cell phone records of the person believed to be at fault.
