Distracted Driving Remains a Serious Problem on South Carolina Roads

In Lexington and communities throughout the Palmetto State, crashes caused by distracted drivers often result in severe and fatal injuries

Despite the implementation of tough laws and strict enforcement, South Carolina's roads are still experiencing devastating consequences from distracted driving accidents. State officials report that distracted or inattentive driving, particularly involving cell phone use or texting, is a leading factor in over 20,000 traffic collisions annually.

Unfortunately, these numbers are not surprising. At Johnson + Johnson Attorneys At Law, our Lexington, SC car accident lawyers have been fighting for crash victims for years. As a result, we have witnessed firsthand the tragic and life-altering consequences that accidents involving distracted drivers can have on individuals and families.

South Carolina distracted driving statistics

Distracted driving in South Carolina is a serious problem, as evidenced by the disturbing statistics provided by the South Carolina Department of Insurance. Here are just a few of them:

Every hour, South Carolina has two distracted driving accidents.
On average, 337 people are seriously injured, and 58 people die each year due to distracted driving accidents in South Carolina.
In 2019, there were 18,936 distracted driving accidents throughout the state.
Texting while driving is six times more dangerous than drunk driving.
Distracted drivers are 90 percent more likely to be involved in a crash than other drivers.

Keep in mind that distracted driving can take many forms, including texting or using a cell phone, eating or drinking, adjusting the radio or climate controls, applying makeup or self-grooming, and even daydreaming or being lost in thought.

In short, any activity that diverts a driver's attention from the road can increase the risk of a serious or fatal accident. That's why it's essential for all drivers to recognize the dangers of distracted driving and to stay focused on the road at all times.

What are South Carolina's distracted driving laws?

In 2014, South Carolina took a step toward addressing the issue of distracted driving by passing a law that bans texting while driving. According to South Carolina Code, Title 56, Chapter 5-3890, it is illegal for drivers of all ages to read, write, or send a text message while operating a vehicle. This same law also applies to drivers stopped at a red light, as it is still considered part of operating a motor vehicle.

Violators of the law will be fined $25 for the first offense, with subsequent offenses resulting in a fine of $50 per offense.

Preventing distracted driving

In addition to passing the 2014 law that prohibits texting while driving, South Carolina is also dedicated to educating drivers about the risks associated with distracted driving. This commitment is particularly evident during the nationwide Distracted Driving Awareness Month, which is observed in April.

According to the South Carolina Strategic Highway Safety Plan, the state is actively working to improve the reporting of distracted driving incidents and identify effective countermeasures.

Furthermore, South Carolina has placed a particular emphasis on addressing distracted driving among younger teen drivers, who tend to have some of the highest rates of distracted driving in the country. The National Road Safety Foundation stresses the importance of parents talking to their teen drivers about the dangers of distracted driving to increase awareness and promote safe driving habits.

Experienced distracted driving accident attorneys in South Carolina

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident caused by a distracted driver in South Carolina, it's essential to seek the advice of an experienced lawyer as soon as possible. These cases can often be complex and difficult to navigate, particularly if the at-fault driver denies responsibility.

At Johnson + Johnson Attorneys At Law, our skilled team of South Carolina distracted driving accident lawyers has the knowledge and experience to handle these types of cases. We understand the laws and regulations governing car accidents in South Carolina and are committed to building a strong and successful case on your behalf.

Our law firm is dedicated to putting your needs first. We offer a free evaluation to discuss your case and work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay no fees unless we win your case.