Half of Drivers Admit to Risky Distractions Like Emailing on the Road

Every time you get behind the wheel, your attention should be on the road — but for many drivers, it isn’t. Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents in South Carolina and across the country. And a new Nationwide survey shows just how common these risky behaviors are.

At Twenge + Twombley, we’ve seen the devastating impact of crashes caused by distractions, especially during April, which is Distracted Driving Awareness Month. If you or someone you love has been hurt in a distracted driving crash, our lawyers are here to help you understand your rights and fight for the justice you deserve.

What is distracted driving?

Distracted driving is any activity that diverts your attention from driving. That includes texting, using a GPS, talking to passengers, eating, or even just daydreaming. When you're distracted, even for a few seconds, you're not fully focused on driving, and that's all it takes for an accident to happen. Distractions are broken up into three categories:

• Visual: Taking your eyes off the road, such as looking at your GPS or a billboard.

• Manual: Taking your hands off the wheel to do things like eat or reach around in your vehicle.

• Cognitive: Taking your mind off driving, such as talking to passengers or daydreaming.

Texting while driving is one of the most talked-about forms of distracted driving because it involves all three types, making it extremely dangerous.

What drivers are doing behind the wheel

Even though most drivers understand the risks, their actions tell a different story. Some takeaways from the survey highlighted by PR Newswire include:

• 92% of drivers believe that people look at their phones more frequently than a year ago.

• 1 in 10 drivers (11%) admit to reading or writing emails while driving.

• A majority of drivers are aware of existing distracted driving laws:

  • 81% are familiar with texting-while-driving restrictions.

  • 76% know about hands-free requirements.

  • 74% are aware of handheld phone bans.

  • 67% are familiar with related penalties.

• Despite this awareness, only 48% of drivers believe these laws are effective in reducing distracted driving.

• Most drivers agree that unsafe driving behaviors, especially those involving smartphones, are rising.

These statistics paint a clear picture: distracted driving remains a large issue, and stronger action is needed to change behavior behind the wheel.

South Carolina Moves Closer to Going Hands-Free

Until recently, South Carolina had one of the weakest distracted driving laws in the country. The only statewide restriction was a ban on texting while driving, leaving many forms of phone use, like holding a device to make a call or scrolling through music apps, technically legal.

That’s changing.

In early April 2025, the South Carolina House of Representatives passed the “Hands-Free Driving Act” with an 85-25 vote, bringing the state one step closer to a comprehensive handheld phone ban. If the law is enacted, drivers would be prohibited from holding their phones for any reason—even resting the device in their lap or using it at a red light would be a violation.

Under the proposed law:

• Drivers could still use Bluetooth or voice-activated features to make calls or send messages.
• First-time violators would face a $100 fine, with a $200 fine for second offenses.
• Citations would not be reported to insurance companies, meaning no points on your license.
• Officers would need probable cause to make a stop.
• A 180-day grace period would be enacted, during which only warnings—not tickets—would be issued.

One reason the legislation is gaining traction this year is financial: South Carolina stands to lose $50 million in federal transportation safety funds if it doesn’t adopt a full hands-free law. But beyond the funding, supporters say it’s about saving lives.

As Rep. Bill Taylor, R-Aiken, said: “They [distracted drivers] are six times more dangerous than a drunk driver. It’s got to stop.”

The bill still needs to pass the Senate, but if it becomes law, South Carolina will finally join the majority of U.S. states in treating distracted driving like the serious risk it is.

At Twenge + Twombley, we fully support this legislation. We’ve seen how devastating distracted driving crashes can be—and we know that strong laws, paired with legal accountability, can make a difference.

However, even when laws are in place, proving that a driver was distracted at the time of a crash can be challenging. That’s why having a legal team that knows how to build a strong, evidence-backed case is so important. Our lawyers know how to uncover the facts—from phone records to witness statements—and use them to hold careless drivers accountable for their actions.

Contact a distracted driving accident lawyer today

If you’ve been injured in a crash caused by a distracted driver, you don’t have to deal with the aftermath alone. The legal team at Twenge + Twombley is here to fight for you. Our South Carolina attorneys understand the complexities of distracted driving accidents and work hard to hold negligent drivers accountable.

We handle every case personally and with care, just like we would for our own family. From investigating the crash to negotiating with insurance companies, we’ll be by your side every step of the way.

Let us focus on your case so you can focus on healing. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. There are no obligations or upfront fees, and since we offer legal representation on a contingency fee basis, you pay nothing unless we win your case.

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