Our David W. Martin Accident and Injury Lawyers in South Carolina know that being distracted behind the wheel involves more than using a cellphone — although that is a significant contributor to crashes throughout the state. The reality is that auto accidents in South Carolina are trending in the wrong direction.
Last year, according to the South Carolina Traffic Collision Fact Book, nearly 9,000 vehicle crashes were caused by distracted drivers, leading to over 2,500 injuries and six fatalities. When motorists and their vehicle occupants are injured or killed because a distracted driver crashes into them, people are getting hurt and lose their lives in collisions that could have been prevented.
Here, we discuss the leading causes of distracted driving accidents in South Carolina and why keeping your eyes and mind on the road and your hands on the wheel while traveling from Point A to Point B is vital.
What Types of Distracted Driving are Causing Crashes Throughout South Carolina?
The most prominent form of distracted driving is driver inattention. Whether they are overwhelmed by too much information while driving, like navigating unfamiliar roads, heavy traffic, or adverse weather conditions, are experiencing strong emotions like anger, stress, or sadness, or are just daydreaming, it can affect concentration, reduce attention, and decision-making abilities while driving and increase the risk of accidents.
The second largest distraction directly related to driver inattention, not surprisingly, is cellphone use.
South Carolina Law states, “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.”
However, according to a study conducted by Travelers Insurance, technology was a primary cause of distraction among drivers across all age groups.
The drivers who participated in the study reported:
- 80%spoke on the phone.
- 57%admitted to using a phone or other handheld communication device.
- 28%updated their social media accounts.
- 27%took pictures while driving.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, texting is the most alarming distraction. Sending or reading a text takes your eyes off the road for 5 seconds. At 55 mph, that’s like driving the length of an entire football field with your eyes closed.
Other common driver distractions include:
- Events outside vehicles, including people, signage, and other motorists.
- Interacting with passengers inside the vehicle, including friends, family members, small children, and pets.
- Using or reaching for a device or object inside the vehicle.
- Eating and drinking.
- Changing audio, seats, GPS, or climate controls.
- Smoking.
Each of these actions can be avoided when drivers place all their attention on the task of driving. Paying attention to the road and surrounding traffic is essential for preventing accidents and ensuring the safety of yourself, your passengers, and other road users. By staying focused, you can anticipate and react to potential hazards more effectively, reducing the risk of collisions.
Whatever it is, it can wait until you are parked.
Contact Our David W. Martin Accident & Injury Lawyers Today
If you have been injured or lost a loved one because of a distracted driver’s actions or inaction in South Carolina, contact our David W. Martin Accident & Injury Lawyers today at (803)-258-6199 to learn more about your legal rights and options to hold the negligent party liable for your complete recovery needs.
We provide free consultations for all personal injury cases in South Carolina and never charge any legal fees unless we deliver a positive outcome for your unique case.