Texting is the newest form of electronic communication, and it seems like everyone who has a smartphone is doing it. But texting while driving can be a dangerous distraction, and is especially prevalent amongst younger, less experienced drivers. In fact, phone usage while driving is one of the leading causes of automobile accidents in the United States.
The advocacy group Don’t Text and Drive conducts research concerning the instances of distracted driving causing automobile accidents, and the data concerning texting while driving is quite eye-opening as to what a danger this activity can be when it is done by drivers who are behind the wheel. Some of the most interesting observations about texting while driving includes:
- Texters are more dangerous than drunk drivers. Those individuals who text while operating a motor vehicle are six times more likely to cause an accident than is a drunk driver.
- Texting is the leading form of distracted driving. Drivers that text while behind the wheel are twenty three percent more likely have an accident than are drivers who remain focused on the road and operating their vehicle safely.
- Cell phone usage causes automobile accidents. More than 1.6 million automobile accidents and 6,000 deaths every year in the United States are attributable to cell phone usage and texting while driving.
Texting While Driving In South Carolina
It is against the law to send, receive and view text messages on a cell phone while operating a motor vehicle in South Carolina under S.C. Code Ann. Section 56-5-3890. Drivers of all ages and driver experience levels are bound by this law.
Texting While Driving Is Distracted Driving
Attempting to send a text message while driving severely distracts the driver. Texting preoccupies the brain, fingers, and eyes of the driver, detracting from the driver’s ability to concentrate on the road and impairs their ability to observe what other drivers are doing around them. Furthermore, because the driver is distracted, once the driver returns his or her focus to the road, it takes a few seconds for the driver to get their bearings and make observations. It only takes a few seconds of inattentiveness to cause an accident.
Statistically speaking, it takes on average about three seconds for circumstances to change and an automobile accident to occur. The average text message sent while driving distracts the driver for a period of five seconds. A distracted driver can cause an accident, which could seriously injure or even kill someone. Someone who suffers a personal injury in a car accident because another driver was negligently texting while driving, can sue to recover for their damages and injuries.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer Serving Hilton Head and Beaufort
If you have been involved in an automobile accident in the Hilton Head or Beaufort area where the other driver was negligently texting while driving, and you were injured, you need to contact an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. The personal injury lawyers at Workers Compensation Lawyers- can help you with your personal injury or car accident claim. Contact us today.
