A new driving study shows that distracted driving remains a danger on the roads of South Carolina and across the nation. The report, by researchers at the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, discusses the impact of cell phone use on driving safety. It makes clear that a driver who uses a cell phone or mobile device while behind the wheel is three times more likely to get into a car accident.
Some of the key findings of the study include:
- Text messaging, browsing the internet and dialing amount to the longest period of time that drivers take their eyes off the road;
- Text messaging requires drivers looking away from the road for an average of 23 seconds;
- Actions involved in making a phone call (getting the mobile device, searching for a contact and dialing the number) make it three times more likely that a crash will occur;
- Visual-manual tasks such as locating and touching a cell phone make the use of a hand-held cell phone a high-risk activity while driving;
- Hands-free cell phones still involve visual-manual tasks at least half of the time the phones are in use. These cell phones do create a greater accident risk.
Distracted Driving in South Carolina
While a growing body of research indicates that text messaging and talking on cell phones are unsafe behavior while driving, South Carolina does not have laws against text messaging while driving. In fact, South Carolina is one of only a handful of states that do not limit cell phone use of any kind while driving.
Car accidents can occur without any notice, especially if a driver’s attention is diverted by text messaging or talking on a cell phone. If you or a loved one has been injured in a South Carolina automobile accident due to somebody else’s negligence, contact our South Carolina personal injury attorneys at Joye Law Firm Injury Lawyers.
Whether you need guidance on accidents involving reckless driving, distracted drivers or some other type of car accident, call (888) 324-3100 or use our online form so our attorneys can offer you advice about your rights.
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