Motor vehicle collisions are consistently a leading cause of accidental injuries in South Carolina. Distracted driving is one of the fastest-growing causes of bad accidents. The safe operation of an automobile requires a motorist to keep their full focus and attention on the road. Sadly, that does not always happen. Distracted driving can lead to terrible crashes. There are many different types of distracted driving. In this article, our Moncks Corner distracted driving accident attorney provides an overview of some of the most common distractions in South Carolina.
Know the Risk: Distracted Driving Accident Stats
Distracted driving is a serious public safety problem in South Carolina and throughout the United States. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 3,200 people are killed and many tens of thousands more are injured in distracted driving crashes each year. Further, the true figure is widely believed to be even higher because distracted driving is systematically underreported.
Common Driving Distractions in South Carolina
Texting and Driving
Texting is widely recognized as the most dangerous form of distracted driving because it combines all three categories of distraction (manual, visual, and cognitive). A driver who sends or reads a text takes their hands off the wheel, their eyes off the road, and their mind away from safe operation. Even a “quick” glance of just five seconds at highway speed means traveling the length of a football field blind. Texting and driving is extremely dangerous.
Note: South Carolina law prohibits texting while driving. You could face a ticket for this distraction. Still, even though it is unlawful, texting and driving remains a very serious problem.
Talking on the Phone and Driving
Although not as dangerous as texting, holding a phone conversation while driving is still a major source of distraction. Many motorists underestimate how much a conversation can pull their focus from scanning the road and anticipating hazards. Studies show that handheld phone use significantly increases the risk of a collision, even if the driver believes they are in control. Notably, unlike some other states, South Carolina currently bans texting but has not enacted a full handheld cell phone ban. Still, drivers have a duty to operate in a safe manner at all times.
Eating/Drinking and Driving
It is not strictly illegal to eat or drink while behind the wheel in South Carolina, but it can be a dangerous distraction. Food and drink in the car may seem convenient, but they can be deceptively hazardous. Taking one hand off the wheel to unwrap a sandwich or reach for a drink reduces the driver’s ability to react to sudden changes. Spills are especially dangerous because they startle the driver and cause sudden swerves.
Adjusting the GPS System
Modern vehicles are equipped with increasingly complex infotainment systems, from GPS navigation to touch-screen radios. Programming a destination or scrolling for music requires the driver to look away from the road and often takes longer than expected. Even short periods of screen time can delay reaction to hazards ahead. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has flagged in-car technology as a growing distraction nationwide. GPS directions can be great, but you should not adjust them while your vehicle is moving. Further, they need to be mounted in a visible place. You should not have your phone in your hand for GPS.
Conversing With Passengers
While interacting with passengers is natural, conversations can become distracting if they demand too much attention. Younger drivers, especially teenagers, are particularly vulnerable when traveling with friends because they may engage in louder or more animated discussions. In some crashes, drivers have admitted they missed traffic signals or vehicles because they were turned toward passengers. Passengers have the potential to be a big (dangerous) distraction.
Personal Grooming
Activities such as putting on makeup, combing hair, or adjusting clothing may seem harmless, but can be very dangerous behind the wheel. Grooming typically involves taking both hands and eyes away from the road for extended periods. Morning commuters in particular may be tempted to use their drive time to get ready. This significantly increases the risk of failing to notice traffic lights or stopped vehicles. Grooming should be done before leaving home or after arriving at the destination, never while driving.
Reaching for Something
Have you ever tried to reach for something while driving? A lot of drivers in South Carolina have, but it is not safe. Drivers often reach for objects in the car, such as a fallen phone, purse, or item on the floorboard. This type of distraction can cause the driver to lean or twist, pulling their eyes and hands away from driving. In some cases, cars drift out of their lane or rear-end another vehicle because of these few seconds of inattention. Reaching is dangerous because it combines physical imbalance with lost road awareness. If you need to get something, pull over.
What to Know About Liability for Distracted Driving Crashes in South Carolina
South Carolina is a fault-based state for motor vehicle accidents. The driver who caused the crash by being negligent (whether due to texting, eating, or any other form of driving while distracted) can be held legally responsible for damages. Victims may pursue compensation by filing a claim directly with the at-fault driver’s insurance company or by filing a lawsuit if necessary. To establish liability, the injured party must prove that the distracted driver breached their duty of care.
Note: The State of South Carolina follows a modified comparative negligence standard (S.C. Code Ann. § 15-38-15). If a victim is found partially at fault, their recovery can be reduced in proportion to their percentage of fault. However, they can still recover damages so long as they are less than 51 percent at fault.
Recovering the Maximum Compensation After a Crash
Hurt in a distracted driving crash in South Carolina? You have the right to seek compensation for the full extent of your damages, including for non-economic losses. However, even when liability is not in dispute, insurance companies fight hard to pay out as little as possible in settlement. You cannot rely on them for guidance and support when it matters the most. Our South Carolina distracted driving accident attorney can help. Along with other damages, you may be able to recover for:
- Vehicle repairs
- Ambulance costs
- Emergency room care
- Hospital bills
- Other health care expenses
- Loss of wages
- Loss of earning power
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Long-term disability
- Wrongful death
Contact Our South Carolina Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer Today
At the West Law Firm, our South Carolina car crash lawyer has extensive experience handling distracted driving accident claims. If you have any questions about distracted driving crashes, we can help. Call us now or contact us online for your free, no obligation case review. With offices in Moncks Corner ( 29461) and Summerville (29483), we handle distracted driving accident cases across the region. We are proud to serve our local communities, from traffic-heavy stretches along U.S. Highway 52 in Moncks Corner to busy intersections near Main Street in Summerville.