April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, meaning it’s the perfect time to brush up on the dangers of distracted driving, the laws South Carolina has in place to prevent it, and the steps you can take to make a difference. Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of car accident injuries and fatalities across the country, and it’s entirely preventable.
Distracted Driving Statistics
According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 3,275 fatalities caused by distracted driving in a recent year, including 611 pedestrians, cyclists, and other non-occupants. Additionally, there were an estimated 324,819 people injured in crashes caused by distracted drivers.
Distracted drivers also account for 8 percent of all drivers involved in fatal accidents, with individuals aged between 15 and 24 accounting for nearly two-thirds of all distracted drivers.
Types of Distracted Driving
Distracted driving can involve visual, physical, and cognitive distractions, all of which can lead to the same devastating consequences:
- Visual Distractions – These include anything that takes a driver’s eyes off the road, including cell phones, food, makeup, GPS, and vehicle entertainment systems. You may have heard when a driver takes their eyes off the road for five seconds at 55 mph, they travel the distance of a football field. A lot can happen in that time.
- Physical Distractions – These include anything that takes a driver’s hands off the steering wheel. They’re often the same types of distractions as visual distractions. When a driver’s hands aren’t on the wheel, their reaction time is severely reduced, increasing the chances of a crash.
- Cognitive Distractions – These include anything that takes a driver’s mind off driving. For example, talking to passengers in the backseat can cause a driver’s mind to wander.
South Carolina’s Distracted Driving Law
South Carolina’s distracted driving law bans drivers from using wireless electronic communication devices (like cell phones) to compose, send, or read text-based messages while operating their vehicles on public roads and highways. This includes while drivers are in traffic or at red lights. However, device use is allowed if the driver is lawfully parked, using a hands-free device, or calling for emergency services.
How to Promote Safe Driving Practices
During Distracted Driving Awareness Month, we encourage you to reflect upon the impact distracted driving has on thousands of lives each year and commit to engaging in safer driving behaviors. A few ways you can reduce distractions while driving are:
- Keep your phone on “Do Not Disturb” or out of view or reach while driving. It can be tempting to pick up your phone when you see a notification pop up, and this will help you avoid doing so.
- Plan ahead by setting your GPS and music playlist before hitting the road to reduce distractions once your trip is underway.
- Avoid multitasking while driving, such as eating, applying makeup, or reading messages. These tasks can wait until you’re safely parked.
- Pull over to a safe location if you need to check your phone for any reason.
- Speak up if you’re a passenger in a vehicle with a distracted driver. Your words could end up saving lives.
- Lead by example by practicing safe driving when passengers are in your vehicle. This is particularly important if you are the parent of a teen driver, as they will pick up on your actions.
Contact Our South Carolina Car Accident Lawyers
If you were injured in a crash caused by a distracted driver, contact Willcox, Buyck & Williams, P.A., for a consultation with one of our experienced car accident lawyers. Our firm has provided comprehensive legal support to injury victims and their families throughout South Carolina for 130 years. During your initial consultation, we’ll review your case and go over your options for seeking compensation for your injuries, including auto insurance claims and personal injury lawsuits.