What Is Distracted Driving?
There are multiple unsafe driving practices, but one of the more modern ones is quite deadly. This blog post will answer what is distracted driving, the South Carolina law governing it and more information about the Anastopoulo Law firm if you need assistance with an accident from a distracted driver.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving is “…any activity that diverts attention from driving, including talking or texting on your phone, eating and drinking, talking to people in your vehicle, fiddling with the stereo, entertainment or navigation system — anything that takes your attention away from the task of safe driving.” 
Examples include:
- Using a cellphone to talk or text while your vehicle is moving
- Arguing with a passenger that distracts you from concentrating on driving
- Setting up your new car stereo system while driving
- Eating food or drinking while your car is moving so that your full attention is not on driving
You could also be distracted while driving when passing an accident scene on the highway, looking for birds, gawking at wildlife or taking your foot off the brake and hitting the vehicle ahead of you because your full attention is elsewhere.
The South Carolina Distracted Driving Law
In South Carolina, Title 56 – Motor Vehicles Chapter 5 Uniform Act Regulating Traffic on Highways Section 56-5-3890 (B) it is against the law to drive and use a wireless electronic communication device while operating a motor vehicle. The most common device is a smart phone.
However, if your vehicle is parked, you may legally use your smartphone while in your vehicle. In addition, if you are reporting an emergency, you may not be ticketed for texting or calling while driving.
For a free legal consultation, call 803-222-2222
Who Are The Most Distracted Drivers?
Again, according to NHTSA, teenage drivers are more likely to be involved in a motor vehicle accident while using a portable electronic device than any other age group. If your family includes teen drivers, be a good example to her or him and refrain from using your own smartphone while driving. Talk to them about how dangerous it is to not pay attention while driving and encourage them to avoid peer pressure from their passengers.
What If I’m Injured By A Distracted Driver?
If you or your loved ones are involved in an accident where the other driver was using her cellphone, and are injured – serious or not – you should consult with the Anastopoulo Law firm to see if you are entitled to compensation to get back lost income, expensive medical bills and vehicle repair or replacement costs.
Image courtesy of SDPB Radio
The best thing for you to do is to get a personal injury lawyer in Florence to fight for your rights (and a fair settlement). You should never rely on insurance companies to solve things for you. Most of the time, insurance adjusters will try to minimize the severity of your injuries, “find” pre-existing conditions, or underestimate the extent of the financial losses you suffered because of the accident. Our expert attorney will aggressively negotiate the right settlement for you and even take your case to trial if it would benefit from the input of a judge or a jury.
Call or text 803-222-2222 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
