The South Carolina House of Representatives has passed a bill banning text messaging while driving.

The bill passed the House by a 98-18 vote on its second reading. The new law calls for a fine of $25 for sending a text message while driving. A report by the Associated Press says the bill would not allow a texting charge to be reported to a driver's insurance company. Police would not be allowed to confiscate phones or look through text or e-mail messages under the proposed law, and authorities could not compel phone companies to provide such records.

Critics of the bill claim that it offers little deterrent and gives law enforcement little ability to enforce the law.

A study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that drivers talking on cell phones were thirty percent more likely to crash. That risk would only increase for drivers engaged in activities that demand even more attention, such as texting.

After a serious car accident, claiming benefits from your insurance policy – or the other driver’s insurance policy – is often extremely difficult. Without an experienced Charleston auto accident lawyer on your side, you may not receive all the benefits that you deserve.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a South Carolina car accident, please contact a Charleston personal injury attorney of the Steinberg Law Firm at 843-720-0700.