Distracted Driving March 16, 2018 | Categories: Uncategorized
According to statistics compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, as many as 50 percent of all accidents on the American roadways are due to some form of distracted driving, which may be defined as any activity that diverts the drivers attention away from the task of driving.
Common Distractions
More and more time is spent behind the wheel these days and when you consider all the activities that occur inside a car during a drive, it is no wonder distracted driving has reached epidemic proportions. Common examples include talking on a cell phone, speaking with a passenger, dealing with children, adjusting a navigation device and eating. However, perhaps the most dangerous distraction as reported by Garcia Law, an experienced personal injury attorney Greenville SC, is the one that is caused by texting while driving.
The Unique Dangers of Texting
Breaking down the elements of distracted driving, researchers have found three components:
• Visual distraction
• Manual distraction
• Cognitive distraction
That is, a driver is distracted if he or she is not looking at the road, does not have his or her hands on the wheel or if his or her attention is focused somewhere other than on the road. Texting involves all three.
What the Law Says
South Carolina is among a very small minority of states that does not outright prohibit the use of hand held devices while driving. Texting, specifically, however, is banned, and local municipalities are free to set stricter rules, as Greenville has done.
While violation of a statute may make proof of fault somewhat easier to determine, it is not absolute. Each case is unique with its own set of facts and circumstances, and the bottom line is that drivers have a duty of care to others with whom they share the road.
Contact an Auto Accident Lawyer Greenville SC for Legal Advice
If you or a loved one has been injured and sustained a loss by the negligence of another, we at Garcia Law are here to assist you to receive the compensation you deserve. Please contact our office at http://scgarcialaw.com today.