Insurers Support Ban on Texting While Driving in Texas

AUSTIN, Texas-Joe Woods, vice president, state government relations for the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America (PCI), today issued the following statement commending the Senate State Affairs Committee for passing House Bill 62, which would prohibit the use of hand-held electronic communication devices for texting, or any other interactive internet use while driving.

“This is an important step to getting a bill passed that will save lives on Texas roads. By making texting while driving a primary offense, law enforcement can pull over drivers who are seen using their devices while driving. We now encourage the Senate to pass this legislation, which will hold people accountable for their actions and hopefully prevent more fatal crashes.”

“The distracted driving epidemic must be addressed. Safety is the first concern, but the increase in accidents also could impact consumers’ insurance costs. The recent spike in the number of auto accidents resulting from distracted driving comes at a time when repair, labor, medical and other costs associated with accidents are also rising. We need to change driver behavior, and we believe that toughening the distracted driving laws will save lives by encouraging people to think twice about picking up the phone while driving.”  

Joe Woods is available for media interviews.