Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of serious car accidents in Texas, and San Antonio is taking it seriously. The city’s Drive SAfely SA campaign is a local initiative that urges drivers to put down their phones and focus on the road. While many drivers know texting behind the wheel is risky, not everyone understands that even quick glances or hands-free calls can be dangerous.
Drive SAfely SA is a safety initiative led by the City of San Antonio Municipal Court. It focuses on raising awareness about risky driving behaviors, especially distracted driving. The campaign promotes education, accountability, and behavior change. It also encourages drivers to go hands-free and stay focused.
The campaign doesn’t just target phone use. It encourages drivers to avoid all distractions, including eating, adjusting the radio, or reaching into the backseat. Additionally, the city works with schools, local organizations, and community partners to spread the word. The goal is to create safer streets by helping drivers understand the real risks of multitasking behind the wheel.
Why is distracted driving so dangerous?
Distracted driving is more than just texting. It includes any activity that takes your hands off the wheel, eyes off the road, or mind off driving. That includes checking a GPS, talking on the phone (even hands-free), or reaching for something in the car.
In Texas alone, distracted driving crashes caused nearly 500 deaths and more than 2,800 serious injuries in 2022, according to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). Nationally, more than 3,000 people lose their lives each year in crashes involving distracted drivers. One of the most dangerous aspects of distracted driving is how quickly things can go wrong. Looking away for just 5 seconds at 55 mph means you’ve traveled the length of a football field without seeing the road.
What does San Antonio’s hands-free law say?
San Antonio has had a hands-free ordinance in place since 2015. Under the law, drivers are not allowed to use handheld devices while operating a vehicle. That includes:
- Texting
- Making phone calls (unless using hands-free technology)
- Browsing social media
- Checking email or apps
The penalty for breaking the law can include a fine of up to $200, and if distracted driving leads to a crash or injury, the consequences can be even more severe. Police often conduct targeted enforcement and public education campaigns to keep the law front-of-mind for drivers.
What other types of distractions cause crashes?
While phone use gets the most attention, it’s far from the only distraction. Many drivers don’t realize how everyday actions can also increase crash risk. These include:
- Eating or drinking while driving
- Reaching into the backseat or glove box
- Adjusting music or climate controls
- Turning around to talk to passengers
- Daydreaming or being mentally distracted
- Even talking on a Bluetooth call can affect your reaction time.
What should I do after a crash caused by a distracted driver?
If you’re in a crash and suspect the other driver was distracted, your first priority is your safety. Call 911 to report the crash and wait for a police officer to arrive at the scene and create a report. It's also recommended to take pictures of the crash scene, get witness information, and take notes of the driver's behavior (e.g., apologizing or admitting to being distracted).
When you leave the crash scene, always seek medical attention. Even if you feel fine, some injuries, such as concussions or internal damage, may not show symptoms right away.
You should also seek legal representation. Proving negligence isn’t always easy, but an experienced San Antonio distracted driving accident lawyer knows how to gather the right evidence. In many cases, this may include:
- Cell phone records to show calls or texts at the time of the crash.
- Witness statements or video footage from nearby businesses.
- Police reports with citations or officer observations.
- Vehicle data or infotainment logs that show recent activity.
Your lawyer may also work with crash reconstruction experts to show how a driver’s behavior contributed to the collision. This can be especially helpful in complex cases or when the at-fault driver denies being distracted. An attorney can also help protect your rights from the start by handling communication with insurance companies and making sure critical evidence is preserved.
Accountability starts right here
If you were hurt in a car accident in San Antonio or anywhere in Texas, now is the time to take action. The legal process can be overwhelming, especially when you’re dealing with medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Plus, you'll likely face pressure from insurance companies who want you to settle fast and for less than you deserve. That's where the highly skilled attorneys at The Herrera Law Firm come in. We help crash victims fight smart and recover the compensation they deserve, because we know what it takes to win.
No matter where your wreck occurred or how serious your injuries are, our legal team is ready to build a strong case and hold the at-fault driver accountable. We’ve helped clients across San Antonio, Laredo, Corpus Christi, and beyond get maximum compensation for their damages, including a $1.5 million policy limit settlement for a client injured in a car accident.
When you reach out, there’s no cost to talk with us, and you don’t owe us a dime unless we win your case. That's because we offer legal representation on a contingency fee basis.
Let us handle the legal details while you focus on recovering. Contact us today to talk to an experienced San Antonio distracted driving lawyer. We’re ready to fight for the justice and financial compensation you deserve.
