Spartanburg Crash Closes Westbound Lanes of Interstate 26 in South Carolina (SC)
SPARTANBURG, COUNTY, SC- Foxcarolina.com writes that part of Interstate 26 westbound was closed this week following a crash. Police stated that the incident occurred in the late morning close to mile marker 36. While injuries were reported in connection to the incident, the coroner’s office was not called about the crash.*
South Carolina is one of the worst states when it comes to fatal car crashes. With an average of 20.5 fatalities per 100,000 residents, the Palmetto State ranks third in the nation for fatal collisions. The only states ahead of South Carolina were Mississippi and Alabama.
One of the issues potentially leading to problems with traffic in the state is that distracted driving-related laws are not being aggressively enforced. As of 2016, the minimum fine for a distracted driving violation was $25, and the state only issued 53 fines for the violation that year. In contrast, Delaware has a minimum fine for distracted driving of $100 and issued 13,061 citations.
The state had a texting ban, but without a full prohibition on using hand-held devices, enforcement of the law is extremely difficult. About ten percent of all deadly crashes are the result of distracted driving. In order to increase road safety, it is important not to drive while distracted. To help avoid distractions, motorists should consider turning their phones off, or placing them out of reach when they get into the car. This way, it is easier to avoid the temptation to look at a phone or check a text message.
Concerned citizens can also advocate for changes to the law or for their workplace to take steps to prevent employees from driving while distracted.
Accident News is a safety and education initiative from Montlick & Associates, designed to help people better understand and thereby avoid common accident causes. To learn more about our injury prevention programs, including iridesafe.com - click here. We hope you are never in an accident, but if you or family member are injured, call Montlick & Associates 24/7 for your free consultation at 1-800-LAW-NEED (1-800-529-6333) or use our live chat at Montlick.com.
Sources:
https://www.foxcarolina.com/news/troopers-portion-of-i-26-westbound-in-spartanburg-county-blocked-due-to-accident/article_2b89857a-775b-11ea-a755-e30695d63c2c.html
https://www.wistv.com/story/38030136/sc-ranked-no-3-deadliest-state-for-fatal-car-crashes-study-says/