What Is A Distracted Driving Accident?

Distracted driving is a matter of utmost concern for road safety authorities worldwide. A distracted driving accident refers to a collision that occurs when a driver becomes engaged in activities that divert their attention from the primary responsibility of driving. These distractions can manifest in various ways and significantly impair the driver’s capacity to see, use their hands, and think clearly, greatly increasing the likelihood of accidents. 

Distracted Driving Statistics In North Carolina

Distracted driving continues to be a big problem in the state. According to the North Carolina Department of Transportation report in 2020, there were more than 44,000 reported accidents caused by distracted driving, which resulted in numerous injuries and fatalities. These statistics highlight the urgent need for effective measures to combat this dangerous behavior.

Common Causes of Distracted Driving Accidents

Distracted driving accidents can occur due to various reasons.

• Cell Phone Use. Texting or calling while driving poses a significant distraction. When drivers read or send messages, it takes their eyes off the road and makes them lose focus on driving. This greatly increases the risk of accidents happening.
• Eating And Drinking. A lot of drivers eat or drink while driving, which causes distractions since they have to take their hands off the steering wheel and their eyes off the road.
• Grooming. Doing activities like putting on makeup, shaving or fixing hair while driving can make it hard for a driver to concentrate and react quickly.

Laws In North Carolina About Distracted Driving

North Carolina understands the risks associated with distracted driving and has taken steps to address this problem. In the state, it is against the law for drivers to text or use their phones to type while driving. This includes sending or reading text messages, emails or any other electronic messages.

Additionally, there is a law specifically for drivers under 18 years old, who are not allowed to use cellphones at all, even if they are using the hands-free mode.

Breaking these laws can lead to different penalties, such as fines, points on the driver’s license, and possible increases in insurance costs. Repeat offenders may face more drastic consequences, including having their license suspended.

How To Combat Distracted Driving

Promoting road safety relies heavily on effectively addressing distracted driving.

• Assign Responsibilities To Others. If you have other people riding with you, ask them to help you with things that might take your attention away from driving. They can help with finding directions, changing the music or answering phone calls so that you can concentrate on driving safely.
• Stay Focused And Alert. Do not drive if you are tired, sleepy or under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Make sure you are well-rested and fully alert before you start driving. If you start feeling tired during your trip, take regular breaks to rest and recharge.
• Pull Over If Needed. If there’s something important that needs your complete attention, find a safe spot to pull over, like a rest area or parking lot. Once you’re parked in a safe spot, you can take care of the matter without putting yourself or others at risk on the road.

I Recently Got Involved In A Distracted Driving Accident, What Should I Do Now?

If you have been involved in a distracted driving accident, it is important to seek legal counsel as soon as possible. Here, we offer a free consultation to all potential clients, so you can discuss your case with our experienced car accident attorneys and get a better understanding of your legal options. The firm operates on a contingency fee basis, meaning that you only pay if we win your case. This takes the financial burden off you and allows you to focus on your recovery.

CALL THE HEAVY HITTERS TODAY AT 1-800-LAW-0804!