The Cochran Firm Legal Blog

The Houston, Texas Metropolitan Transit Authority has decided to fire any bus driver who is caught texting behind the wheel. The decision was made in July, after a bus driver in San Antonio caused an accident due to cell phone use. The driver was captured on a security camera looking at his cell phone for several seconds, then looking up to slam on the brakes, too late to prevent hitting two stopped cars in front of the bus. The Houston METRO had received over 300 complaints since January 2008 that drivers were using cell phones while driving. In addition, several recent crashes in transit systems have called attention to transit safety. A September 2008 train crash in Los Angeles and the June 22 Metro Crash in Washington, D.C. are two of the most familiar events.

As calls from environmentalists and city authorities ask people to leave their cars at home and rely on transit for transportation to and from work, transit authorities do need to step up measures to ensure that public buses and trains are safe for riders. The Houston METRO policy can be a guideline for other transit authorities. METRO employees are being forced to turn over their personal phone records when a complaint is received, and those records are being checked to see if texts were sent or calls made while the bus or train was in motion.

If you or a loved one has been hurt as a result of a transit crash, The Cochran Firm stands ready to help you. Please call or email the personal injury attorneys at our Houston office today.

Labels: Houston, main