Accidents caused by distracted drivers are a huge problem in our country, with more than a million accidents caused by distracted drivers each year, resulting in thousands of fatalities and hundreds of thousands of injuries. The Jeffcoat firm has handled many South Carolina personal injury claims arising from accidents involving distracted drivers over the years. Our attorneys have seen firsthand the devastation caused by these accidents.
It’s never a bad time to remember the dangers of using a cell phone while driving and the importance of paying attention while behind the wheel. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says that the use of a cell phone while driving shifts a driver’s focus more than any other form of distraction in the car. Distracted driving is as dangerous as drunk driving.
South Carolina Distracted Driving Stats
The South Carolina Department of Insurance reports that someone dies in a traffic accident every nine hours, and the state ranks in the top five in the nation for fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles traveled. Many of these fatal accidents are 100% preventable. It’s difficult to get accurate statistics on the actual numbers of distracted driver-related accidents, injuries, and fatalities because law enforcement agencies investigating crashes are not able to get accurate statistics. While almost all states have passed texting while driving laws with hefty fines for violations, texting while driving continues to be a huge problem. The use of cell phones behind the wheel is even worse for teen drivers.
The best way to stay a safe while and ensure you aren’t involved in an accident where you are distracted is to put the phone down while driving and keep your hands, mind, and eyes behind the wheel. If you have teenage children, discuss with them the importance of not texting and driving, or using their smartphone in any capacity while driving.
Call the Jeffcoat Firm Today
If you have been injured in a distracted driving accident, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your medical expenses, lost earnings, and pain and suffering. To speak with a South Carolina personal injury attorney about your case, contact us at (803)-373-1706. We offer a free consultation and there are never any fees unless we recover compensation for you.
