In the passed few months, a handful of states have passed laws banning texting while driving. Recently, Kentucky lawmakers passed a bill banning texting while driving in their state and Michigan’s bill is heading to their governor for signature this week.
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, Julie George, was driving a 2006 Mitsubishi and texting when she veered from her lane and collided with Smith’s vehicle. Smith died at the scene from his injuries.
South Carolina Highway Patrol responded to the accident, where George admitted to texting in the moments before the accident. Preliminary drug tests done at the scene later revealed that George was driving under the influence. George was charged with felony DUI.
If convicted, George could serve up to ten years in prison, suspension of her driver’s license for five years, and a fine of up to $5,000.
Whether it was the texting or the alcohol which ultimately caused the crash will forever remain known, but the fatal accident should serve as a warning for drivers who contemplate texting or drinking and driving.
Learn more about the dangerous of texting or drinking and driving!
Visit our S.C. Accident & Injury Library.
Read about the South Carolina DUI Laws.
Read how cell phones cause 1.6 million car accidents a year.
Read about the University of Utah study the found texters more likely to crash.
Get The South Carolina Accident Book.
Contact the Shelly Leeke Law Firm for a FREE Consultation.
