Distracted driving is one of the fastest-growing dangers on our roadways. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that 3,300 people are killed and tens of thousands more are injured in distracted driving crashes nationwide each year. Even more alarming, the true figure is suspected to be far higher as distracted driving is systematically underreported. Within this article, our Lexington distracted driving accident lawyer provides an overview of the consequences of distracted driving in South Carolina.
Distracted Driving is Dangerous
Distracted driving is extremely dangerous. When a driver’s attention shifts away from the road—whether by looking at a phone, reaching for something, or even just daydreaming—it significantly increases the risk of a serious crash. Here are some of the reasons why distracted driving is so dangerous in South Carolina:
- Reduced Reaction Time: A distracted driver may not react quickly enough to sudden changes—like a car stopping ahead or a pedestrian crossing the street.
- Poor Judgment: Distractions make it harder to assess road conditions, follow traffic regulations, and avoid sudden hazards.
- Full Inattention: Some distractions cause drivers to miss stop signs, red lights, or even curves in the road entirely. Complete inattention for even a moment is dangerous.
An Overview of the Types of Driving Distractions
Distracted driving happens when a motorist’s attention is taken off the road. It can come in many different forms. Some of the different types of distracted driving in South Carolina include:
- Visual Distractions: Visual distractions happen when a driver takes their eyes off the road. Some common examples include checking a GPS, looking at a text message, or turning to look at a passenger. For example, imagine a driver in Lexington repeatedly glances down to read a text message. He or she may fail to notice that traffic ahead has come to a stop. That could lead to a serious rear-end collision.
- Manual Distractions: Manual distraction occurs when a driver removes one or both hands from the steering wheel. Eating, adjusting the radio, or reaching for an object are all forms of manual distraction. For instance, imagine a driver in Mauldin spills a drink and instinctively reaches to clean it up. When doing so, they may drift into the other lane and cause a crash.
- Cognitive Distractions: Cognitive distractions involve a driver taking their mind off driving. Daydreaming, talking on a hands-free phone, or stressing about a personal issue are all cognitive distractions. Imagine that a driver in Lexington is deep in thought about a work deadline. That mental inattention could lead to them running a red light and getting into a bad T-bone crash.
It is important to emphasize that all three of these types of distracted driving can—and often do—happen at the same time. Notably, texting and driving is a visual, manual, and cognitive distraction all at once. For example, imagine a driver on I-26 in South Carolina suddenly hears a text message notification. As a response, they glance down to read the text (visual), begin replying with one hand (manual), and start thinking about their response (cognitive). In just five seconds, they could travel far more than the length of a football field without looking at the road.
Consequences for Distracted Driving in South Carolina
Distracted drivers are putting themselves, their passengers, and many innocent people in harm’s way. There are serious consequences for distracted driving in South Carolina. Here is an overview:
- Fine (Texting and Driving): The South Carolina Hands-Free Act prohibits drivers from holding a mobile electronic device while operating a vehicle. The violation of this law can lead to a $100 fine for a first-time violation. A second offense is a $200 fine and two points on a person’s driving record.
- Criminal Charge (Reckless Driving): Under South Carolina Code § 56-5-2920, reckless driving is defined as operating a vehicle with a “willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property. It is a misdemeanor that carries up to 30 days in jail. It can also carry other penalties as well, including six points on a driver’s license.
- Civil Liability for a Crash (Negligence): In South Carolina, distracted driving is negligence. A distracted driver can be held liable if their distraction causes an accident. Among other things, that means that they can be held responsible for the victim’s damages.
Recovering Compensation for a Distracted Driving Crash
Were you involved in a crash with a distracted driver? In South Carolina, you have the right to hold them liable for your damages through a fault-based car accident injury claim. Unfortunately, insurance companies fight hard to pay out as little as possible to injured victims. Our firm can help.
We work tirelessly to help victims secure the maximum compensation. Distracted driving accident victims in South Carolina may be entitled to recover monetary damages for:
- Property loss, including vehicle repairs
- Ambulance costs and emergency room care
- Hospital bills and other health care costs
- Physical therapy and mental health support
- Lost wages and diminished earning power
- Pain and suffering & mental distress
- Long-term disability
- Wrongful death of a family member
How Our South Carolina Distracted Driving Crash Lawyer Can Help
Distracted driving accident claims are complicated. If you were hurt in a crash with a distracted driver, you must take action to get justice and the maximum financial compensation. At Smith & Jones Law, LLC, we believe that clients’ interests must come first. Distracted drivers and large insurance companies must be held accountable. Our case results tell the story of what we can do for victims and families. Your initial consultation with our South Carolina car accident lawyer is free, completely confidential, and carries no obligation.
Contact Our Lexington, SC Distracted Driving Accident Attorney Today
At Smith & Jones Law, LLC, our South Carolina auto accident lawyers fight tirelessly for victims and families. Hurt in a crash with a distracted driver? We are here as a legal resource. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
With offices in Lexington and Mauldin, we represent distracted driving accident victims throughout the wider region in South Carolina.