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Millions of drivers in South Carolina will be influenced by a new traffic safety regulation aimed at minimizing road distractions and saving lives.
The Hands-Free and Distracted Driving Act becomes active on September 1, and state authorities alongside law enforcement are preparing for strict enforcement covering approximately four million licensed drivers in the state.
This legislation mandates that drivers must refrain from using phones, tablets, and other electronic devices when driving to maintain their attention on the road, as noted by the South Carolina Department of Public Safety (DPS).
It was passed in May in response to state safety officials feeling the already-implemented texting-and-driving law was inadequate in tackling distracted driving.
South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster officially signed the historic legislation on July 31. He was joined by other state lawmakers passionate about its impact.
‘Distracted driving has claimed far too many lives and caused countless collisions across our state,’ McMaster said.
‘By signing this bill, we will significantly reduce the number of preventable accidents caused by distracted driving, ensuring more South Carolinians make it home safely to their loved ones.’
Under the much more rigid law, which will be enforced in about two weeks, drivers are prohibited from holding a cellphone with any part of their body.
Family members who lost loved ones to distracted driving held up signs with their pictures during the July 31 ceremony (pictured: a little boy holding a picture of Dale Willenberg, who died in 2017)
Millions of South Carolina drivers will be affected by a statewide traffic safety law that officials say will reduce distractions on the road and save lives (file photo)
South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster (pictured) officially signed the historic legislation on July 31. He was joined by other state lawmakers passionate about its impact
‘This does not prohibit the use of an earpiece or device worn on the wrist used for voice-based communication,’ the DPS clarified.
Drivers will also not be allowed to read, write or send texts, emails and other types of written communication while behind the wheel.
They will also be barred from watching anything on their phones, including videos, movies, games and video calls.
There will be exceptions to the no-nonsense law, including when someone’s car is legally stopped or parked.
Drivers will also still be allowed to use voice activation or hands-free mode on their devices, as long as they do not touch them.
They will still be able to use their phones for navigation or to listen to music, once again, as long as they are not holding or touching the device.
People reporting accidents or medical emergencies will be exempt from the hands-free restriction as well.
‘Law enforcement, firefighters and emergency medical personnel are exempt while performing official duties,’ the DPS wrote.
People who lost loved ones to distracted drivers attended the July 31 ceremony (pictured: a woman holding a picture of her baby)
They have also shared photos of signs reading ‘No hand-held device use by driver’ across neighborhoods (pictured)
The department said within the first 180 days of the policy being active, police will only issue warnings to people breaking the law.
But after the grace period is up, violators will be given tickets, fines and points against their licenses.
The first offense will be $100 fine. If the law is broken for a second time within three years of the first violation, the driver will be penalized with a $200 fine and two points on their driving record.
McMaster, Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Justin Powell, DPS Director Robert Woods and other state lawmakers gathered on July 31 on launch the act.
They were accompanied by the loved ones of people who lost their lives because of the actions of a distracted driver.
‘This hands-free law is a much-needed step toward a safer South Carolina,’ Woods said at the tear-jerking ceremony.
‘Not only is distracted driving one of the most widespread and dangerous behaviors our troopers and officers encounter a daily basis – is also one of the most easily-preventable.’
Representative Tommy Pope said the state sees ‘more injuries and lives lost from distracted driving than from DUIs.’
The Hands-Free and Distracted Driving Act will go into effect on September 1, as state officials and law enforcement agencies are bracing to strictly enforce it upon the state’s roughly four million licensed drivers (stock image)
South Carolina officials believe this act will save lives, as thousands die from distracted drivers each year (pictured: the act signing ceremony)
South Carolina’s new law will not only involved ticketing and penalizing drivers, but educating them on the dangerous of using their phones while driving (pictured: signs from the July 31 ceremony)
In 2023, more than 3,200 people across the country died in a crash involving distracted drivers, according to the National Highway Traffic Administration (NHTSA). More than 324,800 people were injured.
South Carolina’s new law will not only involved ticketing and penalizing drivers, but educating them on the dangerous of using their phones while driving.
‘Soon, Hands Free SC campaign advertisements on billboards, radio, and social media will begin circulation,’ a July 31 statement from the DPS reads.
Local law enforcement agencies across the state have since been posting memos about the act.
They have also shared photos of signs reading ‘No hand-held device use by driver’ across neighborhoods.
Not including South Carolina, 31 states and Washington DC have banned handheld cellphone use while driving, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL).
