Release Date: April 21, 2010
 Office of District 4 Councilman Philip A. Cortez: 207-7281

Councilwoman Cantu initiates Council Consideration Request to initiate ban on texting while driving

District 4 City Councilwoman Leticia Cantu has submitted a Council Consideration Request to the Governance Committee directing staff to bring forth an ordinance banning texting while operating a motor vehicle.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving, a non-driving activity has been cited as one of the primary and most common reasons behind many traffic accidents in San Antonio and around the nation. NHTSA reports that nearly 6,000 deaths and more than half a million injuries nationwide were attributed to texting while driving in 2008. As a result, the U. S. Department of Transportation has launched several initiatives in order to deter from the activity and educate on the dangers.

Although relatively new, texting laws have been adopted in approximately 20 states and countless other municipalities. "Considering the fast emergence of the problem and the mounting evidence presenting the threat to the safety of all road users it is imperative San Antonio begin to properly address the safety issue," said Councilwoman Cantu.

The Councilwoman said she would like to accomplish several things by initiating this ordinance.

"First and foremost, I would like to reduce the number of deaths and associated injuries related to texting while driving. I would also like to improve safety for all roadway users including pedestrians, bicyclists, runners, and persons in wheel chairs. Second, we must authorize law enforcement officers to stop vehicles and issue citations to vehicle operators who are texting while driving as a standard offense."

Councilwoman Cantu has also proposed that fines be doubled when the offense is committed in an active school zone.

For more information, contact (210) 207-7058.