Here’s how many SC drivers have broken the new hands free law. This county has most citations
In the first month enforcing South Carolina’s law prohibiting holding a phone while driving, law enforcement officers issued nearly 3,400 citations statewide.
Charleston County issued the most at 470 (30 by South Carolina Public Safety officers and 430 by other law enforcement). Spartanburg issued the second highest at 464 (240 SCDPS, 224 all other).
In Richland County, state and local officers issued 184 citations and Lexington County 141.
Motorists were given a six-month warning period before law enforcement began issuing citations on Feb. 28 under the state’s Hands-Free and Distracted Driving Law.
The total number of citations issued by SCDPS, which includes SC Highway Patrol, SC State Transport Police, and the SC Bureau of Protective Services was 1,994.
Other law enforcement agencies issued 1,501.
The reporting period was from Feb. 28 to March 29.
SCDPS said law enforcement agencies have until the 10th of each month to report their numbers, which may impact the statistics released Monday.
The law prohibits drivers from holding a mobile device with any part of their body to read or send texts or emails, use websites, look at social media or movies and take calls.
Exceptions are using a device when parked or stopped, in hands-free mode or listening to audio contact without holding the device.
Law enforcement and first responders are exempt when on official business.
Penalties for violating the law are 1st offense - $100 fine and 2nd and subsequent offenses (within three years) $200 fine and two points on the driving record
The South Carolina Department of Public Safety says distracted driving causes more than 20,000 collisions each year in South Carolina.
Nationally, more than 3,000 people a year are killed in a vehicle crash caused by distracted driving.
South Carolina ranks seventh in the country for worst drivers, according to the South Carolina Department of Insurance. In addition, the state averages two crashes per hour that involve distracted drivers. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said texting and driving is six times more dangerous than drunk driving.