Distracted Driving Laws in Port Aransas, Texas 

On any given day in Port Aransas, you’ll see drivers navigating ferry lines, beach roads, golf carts, out-of-town tourists, and locals just trying to get to work. It’s a beautiful but busy town where driving demands your full attention. And yet, distracted driving is one of the leading causes of preventable crashes in our area and across the state of Texas. 


At A2X Law, we’ve seen firsthand how a single text, GPS glance, or social media scroll can shatter lives. If a distracted driver in Port Aransas has hurt you, we’re here to help you understand your rights, hold the at-fault party accountable, and fight for the compensation you deserve. 

 

What Is Distracted Driving? 

Distracted driving isn’t just texting. It’s anything that takes your: 

  • Eyes off the road (visual distraction) 
  • Hands off the wheel (manual distraction) 
  • Mind off driving (cognitive distraction) 

 

Common distractions we see in Port Aransas include: 

  • Looking at the GPS while navigating beach roads or ferry routes 
  • Answering texts at red lights or in traffic 
  • Eating or drinking during long drives down TX-361 
  • Snapping photos of dolphins or sunsets while behind the wheel 
  • Adjusting music or podcasts, especially with tourists unfamiliar with the area 

 

In a coastal town full of distractions, one careless moment is all it takes. 

 

What Does Texas Law Say About Distracted Driving? 

Texas has made distracted driving a top priority statewide. Under the law: 

Texting While Driving is Illegal 

Since 2017, it’s illegal to read, write, or send electronic messages while operating a motor vehicle in Texas. 

Violators face: 

  • Fines up to $200 
  • Increased penalties if texting causes serious injury or death 

 

For Drivers Under 18

This means no use of wireless communication devices at all, even if they are hands-free. 

 

In School Zones

All drivers must go completely hands-free. These rules apply everywhere, including the streets of Port Aransas. 

 

“Be Safe. Drive Smart.” Texas’ Public Safety Campaign 

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) launched the “Be Safe. Drive Smart.” campaign to reduce distracted driving crashes across the state. Their message is simple but urgent: “One simple action (choosing to focus) can save lives.” 

 

They report that: 

  • Nearly 1 in 5 crashes in Texas involves distracted driving 
  • In 2023 alone, over 400 Texans lost their lives due to distracted drivers 
  • Crashes involving cell phones are severely underreported, meaning the real numbers could be much higher 

 

In tourist-heavy areas like Port Aransas, those numbers rise even more. With unfamiliar roads and vacation-mode drivers, distraction is dangerously easy and dangerously deadly. 

 

What Happens If A Distracted Driver hits you in Port Aransas? 

When someone’s carelessness causes a crash, they can and should be held accountable. But proving distraction requires more than just suspicion. At A2X Law, we know how to uncover the truth. 

 

We’ll work to gather: 

  • Cell phone records and app usage 
  • Witness testimony or dashcam footage 
  • Traffic and ferry surveillance video 
  • Accident reconstructions and driver statements 
  • Social media activity at the time of the crash 

 

We handle the investigation so you can focus on recovery, while we focus on justice. 

 

What Compensation Could You Be Entitled To? 

If a distracted driver caused your injuries, you may be entitled to recover: 

  • Medical expenses (ER, surgery, rehab, follow-ups) 
  • Lost wages and future income 
  • Pain and suffering 
  • Property damage 
  • Emotional trauma 
  • Punitive damages in extreme cases 

 

We’ll fight for the full value of your case, not just what insurance offers. 

 

Why Port Aransas Drivers Trust A2X Law 

We live and work in this community. We understand what it’s like to navigate the narrow roads, the ferry lines, the tourist traffic, and the unpredictability of peak seasons. That local experience matters, and so does our commitment. 

 

At A2X Law, we: 

  • Investigate distracted driving claims with precision 
  • Handle all insurance communication and negotiations 
  • Represent clients with no upfront cost 

 

We don’t just know the law. We know how to make it work for you. 

 

Whether a texting driver rear-ended you, sideswiped you in ferry traffic, or hit you while crossing the street, you have rights. We’re here to help you protect them. 

 

Call A2X Law today for a free, no-obligation case evaluation. We’ll explain your options, help you understand the law, and fight to hold distracted drivers accountable.