September Bringing New Laws
Beginning September 1st, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) will require age specific people to take a one-hour driving course to educate them on distracted driving. This course is called Impact Texas Young Drivers (ITYD). Applicants ages 18 and older must complete a free ITYD course and provide proof of completion. After completing this course they can take the written driving test. In addition to the ITYD exam, drivers ages 18-24 must complete the 6-hour adult driving course before taking their driving test. Texas DPS introduced a similar program in 2015 called ITTD: Impact Texas Teen Drivers. This program requires drivers ages 16-17 to complete a similar course.
What Is The ITTD?
Impact Texas Teen Drivers was developed with the goal of saving lives through education and awareness. It includes an 8-part video that doesn’t sugar coat the truth. The course provides graphic images and statistics regarding distracted driving along with factual stories about real teens losing their lives. Texas DPS says the video’s theme is “not about bad kids doing bad things, but about good kids making poor choices”. Choices like using a cell phone, applying makeup, or eating while driving. This program is designed to engage teens in identifying what’s potentially lethal while driving. The video also reminds students of the high crash risk for teen drivers.
What Is The ITYD?
Impact Texas Young Drivers, also developed with the goal of saving lives, is a 3-part video that provides compelling evidence and real life examples of serious injuries or death as a result of distracted driving. This video also uses state specific statistics, videos and other materials to define what distracted driving is, who’s affected by it, and ways to help prevent it.
Why Are These Courses Important?
According to the Texas Department of Transportation, “one-in-five of the state’s car wrecks – more than 109,000 in 2016 alone – are caused by distracted driving.” The state of Texas is doing all it can to combat distracted driving. These programs will provide drivers with critical information to remind them of why it is so important to remain focused on driving. DPS Director Steven McCraw said “driving is one of the most dangerous things we do on a daily basis, and it should command our undivided attention.”
If you or someone you know has been injured in a car wreck caused by a distracted driver, contact the law office of Borland Phiffer Law. We are available to help you 24/7 with a free case consultation. We can help explain your options and provide guidance whether we take the case or not.