As the news report indicates, many texting drivers think they ‘can easily do several things at once, even while driving.’ Unfortunately, this way of thinking can have grave consequences.
Columbia, SC (PRWEB) November 16, 2014
Columbia, SC personal injury lawyer Ben Matthews of Matthews and Megna LLC today said a new survey revealing the prevalence of texting and driving should serve as a reminder to all motorists to avoid using cell phones while driving.
The survey, detailed in an Associated Press report carried by WCSC, finds that most people agree texting and driving is dangerous but most people do it anyway (“Survey finds people text and drive knowing dangers,” Nov 5, 2014). Three-quarters of drivers surveyed said they have texted while stopped at a red light or stop sign. More than 25 percent of drivers admitted to sending texts while the car was moving, according to WCSC.
“At Matthews and Megna LLC, we know that texting while driving has become a major factor in accidents,” said Matthews, an attorney with over two decades’ experience. “South Carolina in 2014 adopted a statewide ban on texting while driving, yet many drivers break the law and text while behind the wheel. As the news report indicates, many texting drivers think they ‘can easily do several things at once, even while driving.’ Unfortunately, this way of thinking can have grave consequences. Other studies find that texting while driving can significantly increase your risk of causing an accident. It’s not worth the risk. We urge people to shut off their phones while driving or keep them out of reach.”
According to the report in WCSC, AT&T Inc. released the results of a telephone survey of 1,004 Americans as part of an anti-texting-and-driving campaign. David Greenfield, the founder of The Center for Internet and Technology Addiction and a professor at the University of Connecticut’s School of Medicine, said the survey illustrates a discrepancy between people’s attitudes and behaviors, according to WCSC.
The WCSC report included a comment from a man who caused a car accident while texting, resulting in the deaths of two people. “It’s something I struggle with every day. … I don’t want others to make the same mistake I did,” the man said, noting that his phone is now off whenever he’s driving.
Matthews said people should get the message about the dangers of texting while driving before a tragedy occurs. “We’ve represented victims of car crashes. We understand the devastating impact of these accidents, which is why we work so hard on behalf of victims and their families,” Matthews said. “No text message or phone call is so important that you have to endanger your life or the lives of others.”
Matthews said anyone injured or who loses a loved one in South Carolina as a result of someone texting while driving should seek the advice of legal counsel. He said an attorney can help hold the negligent driver accountable and send a message to others that texting while driving will not be tolerated.
About Matthews and Megna LLC
Serving the Columbia, Florence, Darlington and all of South Carolina since 1985, attorneys Ben Matthews and Tony R. Megna have handled thousands of cases and won major settlements for clients, whether settling out of court or going to trial. Matthews & Megna’s areas of practice include bankruptcy law, auto accidents and workers’ compensation cases. They also handle truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, golf cart accidents and moped accidents. The law firm handles personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis. As a result, clients only pay for legal services if they win.
Along with an office in Darlington, the law firm’s main office is located at 3400 West Ave, Columbia, SC 29203. To schedule a free case evaluation or for more information, call (877) 253-7705 or visit the law firm’s website: http://www.matthewsandmegna.com.