Interview: Michael Jeffcoat on community safety and South Carolina’s 2026 hands-free law

Opinions expressed by Digital Journal contributors are their own.

Personal injury attorney Michael Jeffcoat, founder of Jeffcoat Injury and Car Accident Lawyers, recently spoke about community safety, local traffic trends in Lexington, and South Carolina’s updated road safety laws. According to state law enforcement agencies, full enforcement began on February 28, 2026, when officers began issuing citations after an educational grace period.

Enforcement of the 2026 texting and driving ban

Q: How does South Carolina’s new hands-free law differ from previous traffic regulations now that full citation enforcement is active?

Michael Jeffcoat: South Carolina’s Hands-Free and Distracted Driving Act represents a major shift beyond the state’s old texting and driving ban. Under Section 56-5-3890 of the South Carolina Code of Laws, the law specifically prohibits holding a mobile device with any part of the body while operating a vehicle, creating a statutory standard that clarifies driver restrictions.

Financial penalties and driver-record points escalate based on driver history:

Specific prohibitions under the new law

Q: What specific driver behaviors are law enforcement officers watching for on local roads?

Michael Jeffcoat: What drivers need to realize is that the law targets everyday habits that pull focus from the road, like checking GPS, scrolling through music playlists, reading notifications, or glancing at incoming calls. Under the statutory provisions, state law enforcement officers are explicitly monitoring for:

• Holding a mobile device while driving.
• Reading, composing, or transmitting text-based communications.
• Watching videos or motion content while operating a vehicle.

Distracted driving in Lexington

Q: Why is distracted driving such an urgent safety issue in fast-growing areas like Lexington?

Michael Jeffcoat: South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) traffic flow data shows that commuter traffic in Lexington County continues to increase, which safety officials link to elevated collision risks on local roads. S.C. Code § 56-5-3890 explicitly permits voice-activated or hands-free modes for navigation and calls. However, when a driver ignores these safe alternatives and chooses to physically handle a device, it demonstrates, in my view, a conscious disregard for public safety.

Impact of driver distraction on road safety

Q: How does driver distraction factor into local crash analysis?

Michael Jeffcoat: Research from the NHTSA confirms that distracted driving significantly reduces reaction times and increases crash risks. When examining local collisions, safety officials analyze traffic patterns, camera data, and physical evidence to determine how driver distraction contributed to the incident.

Broader consequences of traffic collisions

Q: What impact do preventable collisions have on local families?

Michael Jeffcoat: Beyond immediate property damage, collisions create significant physical, financial, and emotional burdens for local families. These ongoing impacts highlight the importance of adhering to hands-free safety measures.

Community advocacy and road safety

Q: What role does legal advocacy play in broader community safety efforts?

Michael Jeffcoat: Beyond legal representation, the focus remains on education and prevention. Raising awareness about the hands-free mandate helps encourage safer driving habits across local communities.