In 2015, it almost goes without saying that texting and driving is unsafe. Each major cellular carrier has some sort of message indicating that the practice is dangerous, and that reading or sending texts can wait. Also, nearly every state has a law that prohibits texting while driving. However, people still do it, and accidents still happen.
It is rumored that texting may have been a factor in a fatal crash involving Bruce Jenner. The former Olympian and reality TV star reportedly rear-ended a Lexus sedan that was stopped on California’s Pacific Coast Highway, sending the Lexus into oncoming traffic. The car was then struck by a Humvee that hit the car head on. The driver of the Lexus was killed, and the occupants of the Humvee were not seriously injured.
As news of the crash broke, speculation abounded as to whether paparazzi were responsible for the accident. After all, they have a reputation for pursuing celebrities and creating dangerous situations. Also, authorities were suspicious of whether Jenner or any of the other drivers were texting right before the crash. Because of this, authorities will be investigating the phone records of all drivers involved in the accident.
If the police find that someone was texting, not only will they be charged with a crime, they could also be held liable in a civil case. A criminal conviction could be used as evidence that a driver failed to use reasonable care while behind the wheel, and that such a failure was the proximate cause of the accident.