Lawmakers in Texas often introduce new laws each year that can impact everyone and potentially cover issues that directly impact you. During the recent session, they passed a couple of laws pertaining to motorists.
The Texas Tribune explains the new laws will cover two important aspects, liability and emergency vehicle rights. Both laws are important for drivers and the general public to understand since they apply to various situations.
Liability changes
The new law pertaining to liability will apply in situations where employees drive company vehicles or drive on behalf of a company. It will cover all commercial drivers, including ride-sharing and delivery workers. The rules now state that in the event of an accident, it is the driver who holds the liability first in cases of death or injury.
The application of the law will not allow individuals to sue the company behind the commercial vehicle prior to holding the driver accountable.
Emergency vehicle rights
The safety of emergency vehicles is something the public cannot ignore. These people are working to help everyone and require some shield of safety when trying to work. They also deserve the right to be able to do their job without the public slowing them down. With emergency personnel, time is an essential component.
The new law would increase the punishment for individuals who block emergency vehicles from trying to do their job. The rule is a response to protestors who blocked streets and slowed down emergency vehicles. Those found guilty would now face felony charges.
The new traffic-related laws in Texas went into place on September 1, 2021.
