In today’s world, drivers face more distractions than ever before. From smartphones to in-car entertainment systems, our attention is constantly being pulled away from the road. For North Carolina residents, distracted driving has become a serious public safety concern with devastating consequences for families and communities across the state.
The Distracted Driving Epidemic in North Carolina
Distracted driving is the leading cause of car accidents in North Carolina and the United States overall. The statistics paint a sobering picture of this dangerous behavior’s impact. There are roughly 275,000 car accidents every year in North Carolina, and most of these are simple distracted driving mistakes that are preventable. In 2017 alone, 54,133 accidents in North Carolina were caused by distracted driving, resulting in 25,237 injuries and 152 deaths.
At 55 miles per hour, reading or sending a text takes a driver’s eyes off the road for an average of 5 seconds – that’s like driving the length of an entire football field blindfolded. This momentary distraction can have life-altering consequences, often requiring the expertise of personal injury attorneys to help victims recover.
What Constitutes Distracted Driving?
Distracted driving includes actions that take a driver’s hands off the wheel, remove focus from the roadway, or impair the ability to drive. These distractions generally fall into three categories: visual distractions (taking your eyes off the road), manual distractions (taking your hands off the wheel), and cognitive distractions (taking your mind off driving).
Common distracted driving behaviors include texting or using smartphones, eating or drinking, adjusting music or navigation systems, talking to passengers, grooming, and attending to children or pets. Any of these activities can significantly increase the risk of being involved in a serious auto accident that may cause injury to yourself or others sharing the road.
North Carolina’s Distracted Driving Laws
Under North Carolina law, distracted driving includes any activity that takes the driver’s attention away from the task of driving. While many distracting behaviors are dangerous, only some are specifically prohibited by law.
North Carolina driving laws prohibit texting or emailing while the vehicle is in motion, cell phone use by individuals under 18 years old (except in emergencies or communicating with a parent or guardian), and cell phone use by bus drivers (except in emergencies).
The penalties for distracted driving in North Carolina vary depending on the violation. Texting while driving can result in a $100 fine plus court costs, but no driver’s license points or insurance surcharges. However, the real cost comes when distraction leads to a serious collision, potentially causing injuries to pedestrians or other vulnerable road users.
The Real-World Impact of Distracted Driving
Beyond the statistics, distracted driving has real human costs. Accidents caused by distracted drivers often lead to serious injuries requiring extensive medical treatment, long-term or permanent disabilities, emotional trauma for victims and their families, financial hardship from medical bills and lost wages, and tragically, sometimes loss of life.
When large commercial vehicles are involved, the consequences can be even more severe. Truck accidents caused by distracted driving often result in catastrophic injuries due to the size and weight of these vehicles. At Paynter Law, we’ve seen firsthand how distracted driving accidents can devastate families. The physical, emotional, and financial toll can last for years after the initial crash.
Steps to Prevent Distracted Driving
The North Carolina Department of Insurance recommends avoiding phone use while driving, refraining from eating behind the wheel, doing personal grooming at home rather than on the road, setting navigation systems before starting your journey, and asking passengers to help with children if necessary.
Additionally, enabling “Do Not Disturb While Driving” features on your smartphone, pulling over safely if you must address a distraction, speaking up when you’re a passenger with a distracted driver, and teaching young drivers about the dangers of distraction can all help prevent accidents. These simple steps can significantly reduce your risk of being involved in a distracted driving accident that might require the services of a North Carolina car accident lawyer.
Legal Help After a Distracted Driving Accident
If you’ve been injured in an accident caused by a distracted driver in North Carolina, Paynter Law can help you pursue the compensation you deserve. Our experienced attorneys understand the nuances of North Carolina traffic laws and will work tirelessly to hold negligent drivers accountable.
Contact Paynter Law Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a distracted driving accident, don’t face the aftermath alone. Our experienced attorneys at Paynter Law, with offices in Hillsborough and Raleigh, are ready to help you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Founded by Stuart Paynter, our firm is deeply involved in the community, supporting artists in events like the Hillsborough Art Walk and Cars & Coffee events throughout North Carolina. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn how we can help you move forward after a distracted driving accident.