House Passes No-Texting-While-Driving Ban in Texas, Moves to Senate

AUSTIN, Texas- Joe Woods, vice president, state government relations for the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America (PCI), today issued the following statement in support of HB 62, which would prohibit the use of hand-held electronic communication devices for talking, texting, or any other interactive internet use while driving.

 “We support HB 62 and are confident it will save lives on Texas roads. We commend Rep. Tom Craddick for his leadership on this important legislation, and hope this bill will encourage drivers to think twice about picking up the phone while behind the wheel.

“With distracted driving becoming such a dangerous epidemic, PCI is encouraging states to review and strengthen distracted driving laws in 2017. We need to change attitudes about distracted driving in the same way public opinion shifted regarding driving under the influence of alcohol.

“Safety is the first concern, but the increase in accidents could impact consumers’ insurance costs. And, 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.”  

Joe Woods is available for media interviews.