Experienced drivers are often seen doing one-handed driving, but this is about to end in a southern state due to a new bill. Guiding a car using only one hand is a normal thing for many drivers. This act is often associated with more hours behind the wheel, but it’s actually also used by young drivers to either show off, or it’s just the way they absorbed the teachings of a parent. Now, as states are putting stricter measures in place to make sure the roads are a safer place, this type of driving won’t be acceptable.
One-handed driving nuances: There’s more than meets the eye
The number of road accidents is at an all-time high. With thousands of people losing their lives in traffic incidents in the past couple of years, almost every state is creating bills to prevent drivers from committing mistakes. Using cellphones is no longer allowed, parking in the left lane, and going over the speed limit, with some infringers having to use speed limiters too. Now, it’s time to take another step toward eradicating distracted driving from the country.
One-handed driving could be associated with distracted driving, as guiding with only one hand is a sign that other things could be happening, such as texting or trying to get a task done on the way to work/school. It could also mean that the person is simply not with both hands on the steering wheel for personal reasons, like thinking it’s not necessary in some regions, like highways or traffic inside the city. Now, drivers in South Carolina will have to stop.
No more side quests while driving: All hands on the wheel
Starting September 1, South Carolina’s Hands-Free Law states that drivers won’t be able to scroll or text behind the wheel. The state’s new hands-free driving law is officially taking effect to end one-handed driving. At first, anyone caught holding a cellphone while driving – whether talking, texting, or watching videos – will get a warning for the first six months. After February 28, though, the consequences will get real: violators will face fines.
Robert Woods, director of the Department of Public Safety, said at the bill signing that the state wants drivers to get used to the new rules first. South Carolina becomes the 33rd state to pass a law like the one-handed driving prohibited bill. Gov. Henry McMaster signed it back in May, and officials celebrated at the Statehouse. Other states like Pennsylvania, Florida, and more are also adapting to similar bills (in cases like this, infringers even have speed limiters).
Thousands of crashes happen every year: Distracted driving must end
Distracted driving isn’t a small problem – it contributes to more than 20,000 collisions every year in the state. Woods believes this law will save lives. Woods said the troopers and officers are working with local police and will enforce the new one-handed driving law. Some things are still allowed: hands-free calls, voice-to-text messages, and using a phone when parked, reporting an accident, or during a medical emergency. Drivers can also handle their phones at a red light, though the Department of Public Safety encourages people to avoid one-handed driving – even at a stoplight.
The fines’ system: More infractions mean more penalties
Fines start at $100 for the first offense. A second or later offense costs $200 plus two points on your license – penalties meant to get drivers’ attention and change habits. To spread the word, the state will put up signs along roads and on digital displays along interstates. Visitors will also see reminders at welcome centers thanks to the Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism – measures like this could be used for other states implementing bills like this, too.