Several new traffic safety laws took effect on Sept. 1, all designed to reduce the risk of auto accidents in school zones and across the state. With school back in session and morning traffic back to higher levels, the laws couldn’t come at a better time to protect children and adults alike.
According to KCBD Lubbock, two of the new laws are specific to school zone areas:
HB 347 expands current limits on cell phone use within school crossing zones. Now, the law includes any public school property or any area that a local official has designated as a school zone. Using your cell phone in these areas could result in a fine.
HB 1147 increases fines for vehicles that pass school buses. Previously, the minimum fine for this violation was $200. Now, it has been raised to $500, with a maximum of $2,000.
Both of these laws are important because they seek to keep children safe while traveling to and from school. When a driver passes a school bus, a serious pedestrian accident can result.
Another law intended to reduce accidents focuses instead on construction workers. SB 181 says that if a driver sees a TXDoT worker on the side of the road with emergency vehicles, the driver must either move over to the next vacant lane or slow down to 20 miles per hour below the posted speed limit.
Construction workers on our state’s highways and roads face risks every single day to ensure our roads are in good, safe driving condition. When drivers fail to adhere to reduced speed limits, these risks are multiplied. A roadside construction accident has the potential to result in life-threatening injuries, and simply reducing speed can do a lot to prevent this.
“As a result of these new provisions, Texans now have additional protection while traveling our roadways, and individuals who disregard our laws will face tougher penalties for a variety of crimes,” said Director of Texas DPS Steven McCraw. “DPS encourages all residents to educate themselves about the laws affecting their lives and to do their part in keeping Texans safe.”
We all have to do our part to prevent accidents. These laws can help.
Houston Car Accident Attorney
If you’ve been involved in a serious accident, Kevin Krist may be able to help. Contact our office today to discuss your legal options and how you could be eligible for compensation.
