July 26, 2012 (Press-News.org) The evidence is in: highway safety advocates and many state legislatures understand the dangers of distracted driving. Nearly 40 states have passed laws that prevent sending and receiving of text messages while driving, and no one requires an explanation as to why texting distracts drivers.
Unfortunately, the South Carolina Senate recently rejected a bill that would have outlawed texting while driving, leaving the state in the distinct minority with respect to distracted driving prevention. While South Carolina cities such as Columbia, Camden, Clemson, Walhalla, Sumter and West Union have passed municipal texting bans, the Senate failed to approve a House bill that would have imposed a $100 fine statewide and authorized jail time for those who cause fatal car accidents while texting.
The Charleston Post and Courier issued a stern rebuke, calling on lawmakers to "recognize their core responsibility to provide for public safety. Cell phone use while driving is dangerous, but texting while driving is exponentially more so." The paper cited the swift justice delivered by Massachusetts authorities under its new texting ban, which resulted in a year in prison and a 15-year license suspension for a teen driver who caused a fatal wreck will texting.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) strives to educate drivers that there are three types of distractions they face when operating a car or truck: manual, visual and cognitive. Texting while driving can simultaneously take a driver's hands from the wheel, eyes from the road and mind from the many hazards on streets and highways.
People who cause an accident while using an iPhone, Android or other texting device are textbook examples of negligence. But even if it is not yet strictly illegal, a personal injury attorney can seek out cell phone records and other evidence as a means to hold distracted drivers accountable.
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Lawmakers Again Fail to Pass South Carolina Texting Ban
The South Carolina Senate recently rejected a bill that would have outlawed texting while driving, leaving the state in the distinct minority with respect to prevention of distracted driving accidents.
2012-07-26
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[Press-News.org] Lawmakers Again Fail to Pass South Carolina Texting BanThe South Carolina Senate recently rejected a bill that would have outlawed texting while driving, leaving the state in the distinct minority with respect to prevention of distracted driving accidents.