The following is a guest blog by Dolan Law Offices of Chicago, IL.

In the 20th Century, seatbelt laws and speed limit laws saved lives. While not everyone wears seatbelts or obeys the speed limit because states require them to do so, these laws educated many people and encouraged safe behavior.

In the 21st Century, Texas and other states are faced with additional driving problems that are making the roads dangerous. The Governor’s Highway Safety Association lists several types of possible laws that could make roads safer. Texas has significant laws banning drunk driving and requiring child safety seats. However, many current Texas laws do not provide as much protection as they could for drivers. For example:

· Aggressive Driving: Texas has no applicable state law;

· Cell Phones and Texting: These are banned only for school bus drivers and new drivers;

· Helmets: The state’s law was repealed in 1997. Helmets are currently only required for motorcyclists under age 21. Helmets are not required for bicyclists;

· Sobriety Checkpoints: These are illegal; and

· Speed and Red Light Cameras: These are not allowed by state law but may be permissible under local ordinance.

Texas Personal Injury Law

Despite the lack of state laws for aggressive driving, cell phone usage, sobriety checkpoints and speed and red light cameras, Texas personal injury victims may recover damages if they are hurt by an aggressive driver, a distracted driver, a drunk driver or a driver who is not complying with speed, right light or other traffic laws.

A Texas personal injury lawyer can represent a victim, or the survivors of a victim, in a negligence action. The lack of statutes regarding these issues does not take away a victim’s right to recover damages, but it may lead to more victims. The data from other states is not yet conclusive as to whether cell phone bans, for example, prevent personal injury accidents. It will be important to analyze the data from other states so that 21st Century driving dangers can be adequately addressed as were 20th century problems.

Dolan Law Offices is located in Chicago, IL. We represent victims of serious Illinois personal injury accidents. We are committed to helping each of our clients recover full and fair compensation for their injuries.

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