Most people know distracted driving is dangerous, but what many don’t realize is how widespread it is in the trucking industry — and how devastating the consequences can be. A recent industry survey revealed that 70% of fleet operators have experienced incidents involving distracted driving, with cell phone use reported as the leading cause. That figure highlights a troubling trend on South Carolina roads, where tractor-trailers and 18-wheelers regularly travel along major corridors like I-20, US-1, and US-378.
April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, making it an important time to spotlight the growing risks posed by distracted truck drivers. Unlike a typical passenger vehicle crash, commercial truck accidents often result in life-altering injuries or fatalities. And when distraction is the root cause, it’s often a matter of seconds between a negligent glance and a multi-vehicle catastrophe.
Distracted Driving Is a Growing Risk in the Trucking Industry
Long hours, tight schedules, and high-pressure delivery demands can tempt commercial drivers to multitask behind the wheel. Unfortunately, that often includes checking a text message, taking a phone call, or using GPS apps while driving. And while federal law prohibits handheld cell phone use by commercial drivers, violations remain common, especially in companies with lax enforcement or weak internal policies.
South Carolina’s roads are particularly vulnerable to the effects of this behavior. As distribution centers, construction zones, and commercial growth increase in Lexington County and throughout the Midlands, so does the volume of freight traffic — and the risks that come with it. Truck accidents on these and other trucking routes have remained devastatingly persistent over the years, with about 3,500 such crashes reported annually in the state:
- 3,597 vehicles were involved in fatal and nonfatal truck accidents in 2021.
- 3,410 motor vehicles were involved in truck wrecks in 2022.
- 3,469 vehicles were in truck wrecks in 2023.
- 3,497 vehicles were involved in South Carolina truck wrecks in 2024.
In serious truck accidents involving distraction, the consequences often extend far beyond one vehicle. Rear-end crashes, jackknife accidents, or sideswipes caused by a moment of inattention can involve multiple vehicles and leave multiple victims with severe or fatal injuries.
Why Proving Distraction Matters in a Truck Accident Case
For truck wreck victims, the cause of the crash matters. If a commercial driver was using a cell phone at the time of the accident, it may indicate negligence, and in some cases, a violation of federal motor carrier safety rules. Proving distraction can strengthen a personal injury or wrongful death claim and expand potential liability beyond just the driver. For example, if a trucking company failed to:
- Enforce anti-distraction policies
- Monitor driver behavior using telematics or in-cab systems
- Properly train drivers on safe communication practices
Then the trucking company itself may be held accountable for unsafe practices. This becomes especially important in cases involving catastrophic injuries, where damages often exceed what’s available from the driver’s individual insurance policy.
Signs That Cell Phone Use May Have Caused the Crash
Victims often don’t know what the truck driver was doing in the moments before the crash. That’s why early investigation is key. Truck accident lawyers will often work to obtain digital evidence, interview witnesses, and examine logbooks and GPS data to identify potential distraction. Some of the most telling indicators of distraction include:
- Sudden or unexplained lane departures
- Lack of braking before impact
- Erratic speed or inconsistent following distances
- Contradictions between driver statements and physical evidence
- Phone or communication app records showing recent use
If these factors are present, they may point to distraction as a contributing cause — and open the door to additional legal arguments, including punitive damages in some cases.
A South Carolina Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help You Build a Strong Case
Distracted truck drivers put everyone at risk. When a moment of inattention results in a devastating crash, victims and their families deserve justice — and the full compensation needed to rebuild their lives. But time matters. Critical evidence can vanish within days, and South Carolina law limits how long accident victims have to file a claim.
If you or a loved one was injured in a truck accident in Lexington, Columbia, or anywhere in South Carolina, don’t wait. Contact Johnson + Johnson Attorneys at Law today for a free consultation. There is no fee unless compensation is recovered. We are available to hear from you now.
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