Distracted Driving in South Carolina

What it means and how we can stop it…

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What Does ‘Distracted Driving’ Really Mean?

The term ‘distracted driving’ is a broad one, and it really represents many different ways in which drivers might be focusing their attention anywhere but on the road ahead. The emergence of mobile phones has led to a constant distraction for those behind the wheel. Let’s take a look at what it means to be distracted and how drivers can be more present.

How bad is the problem?From the official US Government website for Distracted Driving: In 2013, 3,154 people were killed in vehicle crashes

involving distracted driving. Roughly 424,000 people were injured, an increase of

3,000 from 2012. Drivers who use a hand-held device while driving are

four times more likely to get into a serious crash than a driver who isn’t distracted

11% of fatal crashes involving drivers ages 20 and under were distracted driving crashes

Texting & Driving 31% of U.S. drivers ages 18-64 reported

that they had read or sent text messages or email messages while driving at least once within the 30 days before they were surveyed.

One out of every four Americans say they have texted while driving, and

Nearly half of all American adults say they have been a passenger while the driver sent or read a text.

Five seconds is the average time your eyes are off the road while texting. When traveling at 55mph, that's enough time to cover the length of a football field blindfolded.

10% of drivers of all ages under the age of 20 involved in fatal crashes were reported as distracted at the time of the crash.

Other Mobile Distractions

The amount of brain activity devoted to driving is reduced by 37% when someone talks on a cell phone.

Engaging in visual-manual subtasks (such as reaching for a phone, dialing and texting) associated with the use of hand-held phones and other portable devices increased the risk of getting into a crash by three times.

Is Hands-Free Safer?Studies are showing that headset use isn’t substantially safer than hand-held cell phones. Drivers can miss up to 50% of

what’s around them when talking on any type of cell phone.

Voice-to-text can actually be more distracting than simply texting.

Roughly 26% of vehicle accidents involve cell phones – and that includes hands-free devices.

Distraction Doesn’t Stop At Cell Phones

Distracted driving also includes: Eating and drinking Talking to passengers Grooming Reading, including maps Using a navigation

system Watching a video Adjusting a radio, CD

player, or MP3 player

What South Carolina Law Says About Distracted Driving

There is a ban on texting for drivers of all ages (Primary law): “It is unlawful for a person

to use a wireless electronic communication device to compose, send, or read a text-based communication while operating a motor vehicle on the public streets and highways of this State.”

DUI in South CarolinaNo conversation about distracted driving is complete without a look at drunk driving, especially since being intoxicated leaves a driver with both impairment and a lack of focus. From the South Carolina Department of Public Safety: In 2012, 348 people were killed in alcohol-impaired driving

crashes.   Nearly half of single vehicle fatal crashes involve an impaired

driver.  The rate of alcohol involvement in collisions was nearly four times

higher at night (9PM—3AM) than during the day (43% vs. 11%). Roughly 67% of the drivers in DUI collisions are male. Drunk driving can be much worse during major holidays, like New

Year’s Day or the 4th of July.

Simplify Your DrivingRather than thinking of all the things you shouldn’t do while driving (texting, talking on a phone, reading, grooming, etc.), think about the one thing that you should always be doing – devoting your full attention to the task of driving. Consider these tips to simplify your drive: Put the phone away. By placing the phone in a place where

you have no access to it (like the backseat), you’ll be eliminating any temptation to check messages or respond to incoming communication.

Commit to the habit of sending/reading any communications before or after you get out of your car.

Make use of mobile apps that render texting while driving a non-option

Have you been a victim?If you or a loved one has been seriously injured or killed by a distracted driver, South Carolina law entitles you to hold that person legally responsible for your medical expenses and vehicle repair bills, as well as any lost wages and other financial losses. You may also seek compensation for pain and suffering or loss of comfort, care and companionship of a loved one. Contact the experienced South Carolina distracted driving lawyers at the Louthian Law Firm today for a free evaluation of your case. Call us toll free at 1-855-571-8026. You can also fill out our online contact form.

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