April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month
As we observe Distracted Driving Awareness Month, AAA is sending a clear message to Texans: it’s time to put the phone down and focus on the road. Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of car wrecks in Texas and across the nation. Every text, every scroll, and every glance away from the road can have serious and sometimes fatal consequences.
In 2023 alone, distracted driving crashes in Texas resulted in over 20,700 injuries and 403 deaths, according to AAA Texas data as reported by News Channel 6. The impact of distracted driving is real, and it’s hitting close to home, especially for Texans.
Distracted Driving Awareness Month is a powerful reminder that no text or call is worth a life. If you were injured in a crash caused by a distracted driver, you deserve answers—and accountability. A dedicated Texas distracted driving accident lawyer from Hoover Rogers Law, LLP, can help you pursue justice and fight for the compensation you deserve.
What is distracted driving?
Distracted driving happens anytime a driver takes their attention away from the road. Distractions come in many forms and can be broken down into categories:
- Visual distractions: Anything that takes your eyes off the road (like reading a text).
- Manual distractions: Taking your hands off the wheel (like reaching for something).
- Cognitive distractions: Taking your mind off the task of driving (like daydreaming).
Note that texting while driving encompasses all three forms of distraction, which is why it's one of the most deadly forms of inattention behind the wheel. While cell phone use is one of the most well-known forms of distracted driving, distractions can also include eating, adjusting the radio, or using a GPS.
Why do people drive distracted?
Many drivers believe they can multitask behind the wheel. They assume a quick text or call won’t hurt. But the truth is, those few seconds can change everything.
Others might feel pressure to respond right away—especially if they’re commuting for work, taking care of family matters, or simply running late. Picture this: a parent gets a text from their child asking when they’ll be picked up. They glance down to respond while approaching a green light, assuming traffic is still moving. But during those few seconds, the light turns yellow, then red—and the car in front stops. The driver looks up too late and rear-ends the vehicle ahead.
In short, some drivers don’t realize how risky certain behaviors are until it’s too late.
Tips to stay focused behind the wheel
To help reduce distracted driving crashes, AAA recommends the following simple but effective tips:
- Pull over safely if you need to call or text. Don’t try to do it while moving.
- Speak up if someone else is driving distracted—your safety is worth it.
- Put your phone away, like in the glovebox or center console, to avoid temptation.
- Program your GPS before you start driving so you’re not adjusting it mid-route.
- Ask a passenger to help with directions, texts, or calls so you can focus.
- Don’t be a distraction to others—avoid contacting people when you know they’re driving.
These small steps can help prevent serious accidents and save lives.
The real-world impact of distracted driving in Texas
It’s easy to think of distracted driving as someone else’s problem—until it hits close to home. Texas consistently ranks among the top states for distracted driving fatalities. These aren’t just numbers. They represent real families in communities all across the state who have lost loved ones or seen their lives changed forever.
Whether it’s a high school student glancing at a text, a rideshare driver checking GPS, or a commuter responding to work emails on the highway, the consequences can be instant and irreversible. We’ve represented clients whose lives were turned upside down by a crash that could have been avoided if the other driver had simply paid attention.
These stories are always heartbreaking, but they’re also a call to action. Holding distracted drivers accountable is one way to demand change and help prevent the next tragedy.
Fight back against distracted drivers with Hoover Rogers Law
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a distracted driving accident, you deserve answers and real support. At Hoover Rogers Law, LLP, we’re committed to helping crash victims in Wichita Falls, Lawton, and throughout the area recover physically, emotionally, and financially after serious car accidents.
Our legal team understands what you’re going through and will fight to make you whole again. Contact us today to get started. We’re here to protect your rights and aggressively advocate for your best interests every step of the way.
"Ben did an amazing job helping us navigate a complicated personal injury case. I wasn’t aware of many of the relevant laws that existed in our favor. He both helped us reduce our medical bills and negotiated better liability insurance payments. Highly recommend. So glad we decided to get legal help." - Tarah N., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐