Charleston City Council recently passed a law banning texting while driving. The law was passed just a short time after a similar texting and driving ban was placed on the city of Mt. Pleasant. The new law prohibits sending or viewing text messages, reading or sending emails, or taking photos while driving in the city of Charleston, South Carolina.
“Viewing, taking, or transmitting images, playing games, or composing, sending, reading, viewing, accessing, browsing, transmitting, saving or retrieving email, text messages, or other electronic data,” are against the law, according to the new ordinance.
Soon, it may be illegal to text and drive in all parts of the Charleston metro area. These new regulations are designed to keep drivers and passengers safer on Lowcountry roads by limiting distracted driving; hopefully, this will also reduce the number of car accidents caused by distracted drivers .
During a 30-day transitional education period, police and safety officials will be informing the public about the new texting-and-driving law through advertisements and signs. After this informational period, a 30-day warning period will be in effect. During this period, police officers may give warnings to those who are caught texting and driving, in violation of the new law. After this 30-day warning period, police officers may hand out citations, as the public is expected to know the law regarding texting while driving by this time. Citations can cost up to $100, plus court costs. Officers can even subpoena your cellphone records to make a case, if necessary.
While text messaging behind the wheel is now illegal in Charleston, it is not against the law to talk on a cellphone while driving. It is important to remember, however, that even though you may not take your eyes off the road to take a phone call as you would with a text message, talking on your cellphone is still considered one of the most dangerous forms of distracted driving .
If you or a loved one were involved in a car accident caused by a distracted driver, it is important to seek medical attention right away. To help you seek justice against violators of this new law, you can contact the experienced auto accident attorneys at George Sink, P.A. Injury Lawyers, located right here in Charleston . Our team is standing by – 24/7 – to discuss your rights and options for filing a claim.