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This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide legal advice.
Among the most pressing dangers of everyday modern life is the overwhelming need to pull out our phones while we’re driving, whether because our children are calling us, we really need to text one of our friends, or we have to cancel a doctor’s appointment.
The reason isn’t as important as the danger that such an action brings. Driving is dangerous by itself, with a single mistake potentially leading you into a life-threatening or even fatal car crash, drastically cutting short your quality of life and attracting many future difficulties.
Like it or not, more and more people are getting used to handling both their phones and steering wheels at the same time, unaware of just how much they’re ignoring their own safety.
Whether they’ve been lulled into a false sense of security by the apparent ease and quickness with which a phone message can be checked or sent, or simply don’t care, the truth is that distracted driving car accidents happen far too frequently.
If you or a loved one has been part of a distracted driving incident, then we’ve written out this article so you have a solid grasp of the legalities surrounding your circumstances. Remember – educating yourself about the law is just as important as striving to keep yourself safe!
Already considering pushing for a distracted driving lawsuit or are you the target of one? George Sink, P.A. Injury Lawyers will help with your case.
What Is Distracted Driving?
Distracted driving is when the attention of a vehicle driver is diverted to or distracted by anything other than commandeering the vehicle. This is not just limited to automobiles, instead also applying to bicycles, motorcycles, scooters, and so on.
Traffic safety experts break distracted driving into three categories.
Manual Distractions
Anything that causes you to move your hands away from your wheel is considered to be a manual distraction. This can be anything from picking up a napkin to blow your nose, an itch that makes you want to scratch it, or a desperate need to answer your phone.
Manual distractions are particularly dangerous as they reduce the possibility of reacting in time if confronted with an unfortunate accident.
Visual Distractions
Anything that makes you lose focus on the road is considered to be a visual distraction. They can be manyfold, especially since the eyes tend to become tired and wander after several hours of continuous driving. A visual distraction could be a particularly beautiful house you can’t keep your eyes off, a stop sign that has been illegally painted over, or a fly that keeps sliding up and down your front window.
Cognitive Distractions
The eyes and hands aren’t the only two tools required for a safe driving experience. Cognitive distractions are when your mind is exhausted and starts entering a state of relaxation and repose. Most of the time, a distinct lack of being able to focus is what represents cognitive distractions, which is why it is never recommended to drive while feeling sleepy.
South Carolina Distracted Driving Laws
Although the rules and regulations surrounding distracted driving differ from state to state, South Carolina’s tend to be relatively common fare.
Using handheld cellphones is not banned, unlike in other states, such as New York. Using traditional cellphones while driving is also not banned unless you are a school bus driver, in which case it is illegal. On the other hand, no driver regardless of profession or experience can indulge in text messaging while driving.
The fines for breaking South Carolina’s distracted driving laws are $25.
Stay Attentive, Stay Safe
The importance of paying full attention whenever you’re driving cannot be underestimated. To give you perspective, an estimated 140,000 South Carolina drivers suffer from car accidents each year.
Don’t be like them – keep yourself and your family safe – and contact a legal team for assistance if required.
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