With states approving bills banning texting while driving every week, it is not surprising that South Carolina is following in this trend. South Carolina currently has bills banning texting while driving working their way through both the S.C. House and Senate. Although the bills are gaining momentum, the ban may be coming a little late for some S.C. residents, including Troy Eugene Smith. Smith died on March 5th of this year after his 1998 Ford minivan was struck head-on by a texting driver. The driver admitted to texting in the moments before the accident.
Oprah Declares April 30 “No Phone Zone Day”
The National Highway Traffic Administration reports that an estimated 6,000 people die each year in accidents caused by distracted driving. And, testing drivers are 20 times more likely to have a car accident than those who are not distracted. Oprah has teamed up with American transportation officials to launch a public service announcement informing Americans of the fatal consequences of distracted driving. Oprah’s has officially declared April 30 as
Woman Dead After Rock Thrown Through Windshield
Alicia Thomas of Spartanburg, SC died Easter night after she was struck by a rock thrown into her car from an overpass. The rock was thrown by two North Carolina teenagers who have been charged with first-degree murder for her death.
If You Think You’re a “Supertasker,” You’re Not!
A recent study by the University of Utah finds that a small number of people are able to talk on a cell phone while driving a vehicle without being impaired. These people, deemed
Not Every Accident Warrants Punitive Damages
If you suffer an injury by a drunk driver or a driver that is distracted by texting or talking on the phone you may be entitled to punitive damages in addition to payment for pain and suffering, medical bills and lost wages. Shelly Leeke Law Firm, Charleston South Carolina’s personal injury law firm. Representing Charleston, Mt. Pleasant, Goose Creek, West Ashley and surrounding areas. Call 843-277-6061 today.
Speed Limits: 70 Is The New 55
National posted speed limits have risen 15 mph since 1973, when 55mph was the national speed limit. Currently there are 34 states that have posted speed limits of 70 mph or higher. Speed limits continue to rise while insurers argue for slower speed limits and harsher penalties for speeding. Reports from the U.S. Department of Transportation show that highway fatalities in 2009 were the lowest since the government began keeping these statistics in 1954. Recently, Tom Tom Inc., the maker of GPS navigation devices, recently released their findings from a study on drivers’ speeds. The company analyzed speed data of customers from 45 states and Washington, D.C. The company found that most drivers abide by the posted speed limits.
Make Your Car a No Phone Zone And Save Lives
Lately, you can’t turn on the news without hearing about the ongoing debate over cell phone use and texting while driving. Cell phone related accidents and deaths are at an all time high. Oprah calls it “America’s New Deadly Obsession.” That’s why Oprah has started a movement to make cars a No Phone Zone. Starting in January of this year, Oprah began her No Texting Campaign. In this campaign, anyone can sign “Oprah’s No Phone Zone Pledge” and start to break their “addiction” to texting while driving. To sign the pledge, go to Oprah.com and click on “No Phone Zone.”
It’s Not Just Pit Bulls That Do The Biting!
After Al Hammer was attacked by three pit bulls on Mrach 15, 2010, pit bull owners and breeders are speaking out. Breeders, like Kim Simmons, claim that pit bulls only become vicious when they are raised improperly. Furthermore, all dogs have the potential to be dangerous, not just pit bulls. There are state and local laws in place to protect people from being attacked by dangerous animals.
South Carolina 2nd in Nation for DUI Fatalities
A recent study finds South Carolina the 2nd in the Nation for DUI fatalities. State and local police are gearing up to
Cars That Forbid Drinking and Driving
500 DUI offenders in Minnesota have volunteered for a pilot program where ignition interlock devices are installed on their cars to stop them from drinking and driving.
