With all the apps, texts, and notifications on mobile phones today, it can be tempting to take your eyes off the road while driving. However, checking that text or email is never worth the risk when you're behind the wheel of a moving vehicle. Just five seconds of distraction at 55 mph is equivalent to driving the entire length of a football field with your eyes closed.

A distraction is anything that takes your attention away from driving. Engaging in distracted driving can lead to accidents, causing injuries, fatalities, or property damage. Although removing your eyes from the road or your hands from the steering wheel presents obvious risks, mental distractions that divert your focus from driving are just as dangerous.

Distracted Driving Laws in South Carolina

In South Carolina, it is unlawful for a person to use a wireless electronic communication device to compose, send, or read a text-based communication while operating a motor vehicle on the public streets and highways of South Carolina (SC Code Section 56-5-3890).

Remember, you must pay attention to the task of driving. You are responsible for operating your vehicle in a safe manner.

Facts about Distracted Driving

Distracted or inattentive driving is listed as a top contributing factor in more than 20,000 traffic collisions each year in South Carolina.

1. Nationally, eight percent of fatal crashes, 12 percent of injury crashes, and 11 percent of all police-reported motor vehicle traffic crashes in 2022 were reported as distraction-affected traffic crashes.
2. Nationally, there were 3,308 people killed and an estimated additional 289,310 people injured in motor vehicle traffic crashes involving distracted drivers in 2022.
3. Nationally, there were 621 non-occupants (pedestrians, pedal cyclists, and others) killed in distraction-affected traffic crashes in 2022.

What You Can Do About Distracted Driving

Here are a few tips to help you eliminate distractions and avoid the consequences of inattention.

When driving: 

1. Put away your phone when behind the wheel.
2. Avoid arguments and stressful or emotional conversations with passengers.
3. Avoid eating while driving.
4. Be sure children are properly and safely buckled up.
5. Properly secure pets in a pet carrier or portable kennel.