A bill that bans texting while driving has breezed through committee hearings in the South Carolina House of Representatives. The measure faces little opposition in light of the documented risks of texting and driving. Questions focused on enforcement measures as lawmakers seek to reduce car accidents.

The bill would impose a $100 fine for being caught texting. If an injury results from texting and driving, the fine could increase to anywhere between $2,500 and $5,000, with a potential of five years in prison. If someone dies in a texting-related accident the driver could face fines between $5,000 and $10,000 and up to 10 years in prison.

South Carolina officials say that stiff penalties will get people to stop the dangerous behavior.

Several cities in South Carolina have already banned texting and driving through local ordinances. The statewide ban is backed by the State Transport Police, the SC Children's Trust, and the South Carolina Teacher's Association.

The new law also opens up more possibilities for victims of texting accidents to recover through a personal injury suit. Attorneys that specialize in car accident injuries can offer helpful advice for people who have been injured or who have lost a loved one in a car accident.

A 2009 study conducted by Car and Driver revealed that text messaging gave drivers worse reaction times than drivers who were intoxicated. There is already a federal ban on commercial truck drivers using electronics that are not hands-free. Trucks can have an especially devastating effect on smaller vehicles that they hit.

Source: SCNow.com, "Statewide texting ban advances in House," Ellen Meder, Feb. 9, 2012.