South Carolina lawmakers have passed a statewide texting ban, which would place initial $25 fines on drivers caught in the act.

The new law awaits signature by Governor Nikki Haley. It passed the House with a 94-2 vote, and the Senate by a 42-2 vote. That overwhelming acceptance that texting equals danger can be seen in new laws across the nation.

In the last year, both Charleston and Mount Pleasant municipalities have passed no-texting laws. Recent media reports indicate police departments in both municipalities have begun enforcing the law in earnest, issuing fines of $100 or more. Once the statewide texting ban is signed into law, it will supersede local ordinances to maintain consistency across the entire state of South Carolina.

• 78% of teens and young adults say they have read a text message while driving.

• Texting causes distracted driving. Experts say that the average time it takes a driver to read a text – 5 seconds – propels them the length of a football field (at 55 mph) without looking at the road.

At the Steinberg Law Firm, we applaud any effort to keep drivers and others safe on the roadways, and hope this statewide ban will help to deter drivers from texting while behind the wheel. If you’ve been involved in a car accident caused by a texting driver, contact our firm today to get the help you need. We have offices located in downtown Charleston, Summerville, and Goose Creek.