Why You Shouldn’t Use Your Cellphone While Driving

TL;DR:

• Using your phone while driving increases your risk of accidents.

• Texas law prohibits texting or using a handheld device while operating a vehicle.

• Distraction can delay reaction time as much as driving under the influence.

• Travis Driving School teaches students to focus fully on the road.

• Safe driving habits start with awareness, education, and discipline.

Staying connected has become second nature, but when you’re behind the wheel, even a single glance at your cellphone can be life-threatening. At Travis Driving School, we emphasize that one of the most critical lessons for any driver—new or experienced—is learning to keep your eyes on the road and your phone out of reach.

The Dangers of Using Your Cellphone While Driving

When you use your cellphone while driving, you’re engaging in what’s known as distracted driving. This means your attention is divided between operating your vehicle and another task—texting, browsing, or even checking GPS directions without hands-free assistance.

Types of Distraction

There are three main forms of distraction:

• Visual: Taking your eyes off the road.

• Manual: Taking your hands off the steering wheel.

• Cognitive: Taking your mind off driving.

Cellphone use combines all three—making it one of the most dangerous distractions possible.

Real Consequences on Texas Roads

According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), distracted driving causes over 100,000 crashesannually in the state. Many of these incidents involve cellphones. Even reading a short text takes your eyes off the road for an average of five seconds—enough time to travel the length of a football field if you’re driving at 55 mph.

At Travis Driving School, instructors share real-world scenarios to show how a few seconds of inattention can have lifelong consequences.

Texas Laws on Cellphone Use While Driving

Understanding the Law

Texas has enacted strict laws to reduce distracted driving:

• It’s illegal to send or read text messages while operating a motor vehicle.

• Drivers under 18 years old are prohibited from using any handheld device.

• School zones enforce zero tolerance, meaning no phone use at all—even for calls.

Violating these laws can result in fines up to $200 and, worse, the risk of losing your license if repeated offenses occur.

Legal Exceptions

There are a few exceptions for hands-free use:

• Using voice-activated systems like Siri or Google Assistant.

• Making emergency calls to report accidents or hazards.

• Navigating via mounted GPS devices that do not require manual interaction.

Travis Driving School ensures every student understands not just the rules—but the reasons behind them—to help develop safer decision-making habits.

The Science Behind Distraction

Reaction Time and Focus

When your attention shifts from the road, your reaction time doubles, meaning it takes twice as long to brake or steer away from danger. Studies show that texting while driving can impair focus as severely as having a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08%, which is the legal limit for intoxication.

Cognitive Overload

Even if your eyes are on the road, mental distraction can cause you to miss important visual cues. A driver distracted by a conversation or text is less likely to notice pedestrians, traffic lights, or brake lights ahead.

Through its defensive driving curriculum, Travis Driving School helps students practice real-time awareness techniques—so they learn to manage distractions before they become dangerous.

Safe Alternatives to Using Your Phone

Plan Ahead

Before starting your trip:

• Set your GPS destination.

• Put your phone on Do Not Disturb mode.

• Let friends or family know you’re driving and can’t respond immediately.

Use Technology Wisely

Most smartphones now have driving modes that mute notifications automatically. Hands-free systems, when used responsibly, can help minimize risk.

Build Better Habits

At Travis Driving School, instructors encourage simple habits:

• Keep your phone out of reach.

• Pull over safely if you need to make a call.

• Focus only on the task of driving.

These habits not only help you stay compliant with the law but also make you a safer, more confident driver.

The Role of Driver Education in Preventing Distracted Driving

Learning to drive is more than just memorizing traffic signs—it’s about developing judgment, patience, and focus. Professional instruction, like that offered at Travis Driving School, reinforces these skills through guided practice and personalized feedback.

By understanding how distractions impact performance, students can build safer routines from day one. Travis Driving School’s lessons emphasize awareness and defensive driving strategies—both essential for staying safe in today’s tech-heavy world.

Final Thoughts

Your phone can wait—your life and the lives of others on the road cannot. Every time you choose to keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes forward, you’re making Texas roads safer.

If you’re ready to improve your focus, confidence, and awareness behind the wheel, consider enrolling at Travis Driving School. Their expert instructors will help you master the skills that truly matter—responsibility, discipline, and safety.