There are many drivers who simply can't resist the urge to pick up their cellphones. Some are willing to risk causing a crash over a buzz or ring notification. Others regularly text, browse the web and use social media while driving. The problem has grown substantially worse during the COVID-19 pandemic. Roughly 57 percent of car wrecks in the United States within the past year have involved the use of a cellphone.
Unlike many other states, South Carolina only has a texting and driving ban. All other types of cellphone use aren't technically against the law. Even if they were, there are many drivers who wouldn't obey the law or would remain unaware of it. Still, crashes linked to texting and driving often occur in South Carolina.
Common risks of distracted driving
Distractions are often divided into three categories: visual, manual, and cognitive.
Visible distractions happen when drivers take their eyes off the road. This can include reading a text message, talking to a passenger, or even looking at things outside of the car.
Manual distractions can be as simple as taking hands off the wheel to take a sip of coffee or change the radio station. It can also be as complex as making a phone call, typing a text message, or taking care of personal hygiene.
Cognitive distraction is as simple as distracting the mind from the task at hand. This occurs when a driver daydreams while driving or becomes drowsy.
These types of distractions differ, but they all have one thing in common. They take away drivers' ability to react to obstacles in the road. For example, a driver who is busy typing a text message is visually, manually, and cognitively distracted. This can lead to:
- A high-speed rear-end collision when traffic suddenly comes to a stop.
- A head-on collision or roadway departure when the driver fails to navigate a curve in the road
- The driver hitting a pedestrian or bicyclist.
- A deadly T-bone or intersection crash when the driver fails to stop at a red light or stop signs.
Our South Carolina attorneys fight for victims of distracted driving
In the U.S., 2,841 distracted driving fatalities and an estimated 400,000 injuries occurred in 2018. These are only the reported numbers. In far too many cases, distracted drivers don't leave behind any evidence or admit to driving distracted. There is no safe way to drive distracted. Staying attentive is one of the biggest responsibilities drivers have. They should be held accountable when they injure or kill someone because they couldn't keep their attention on the road.
If you've been injured in a distracted driving crash, it's critical that you demand legal action. Speak to an experienced Lexington, South Carolina car accident attorney at Johnson + Johnson Attorneys at Law to learn about your legal options. Never discuss your crash with the other driver's insurance company or accept a quick lowball settlement. Our legal team will gather the evidence needed to help you build a strong legal claim and recover every dollar owed to you. Contact us online or call our Lexington law office to schedule your free case evaluation.
