Distracted driving continues to rise throughout the United States as more drivers turn to their phones while behind the wheel. In 2016, approximately 3,450 people were killed—and 391,000 were injured—in motor vehicle accidents related to distracted driving.
To put distracted driving in perspective, consider that taking your eyes off the road for a mere five seconds at 55 MPH is equivalent to driving the length of a football field with your eyes closed.
While other factors certainly contribute, cell phone use behind the wheel remains one of the most-common causes of accidents linked to distracted driving. A reported 481,000 drivers use their cell phones while driving during daylight hours—creating an enormous potential for fatal accidents.
In North Carolina texting while driving was banned for all drivers. Novice drivers (under the age of 18) have harsher distracted driver laws, prohibiting them from all cell phone use, whereas adult drivers are allowed to talk on their cell phones while behind the wheel. There have been multiple bills filled banning all drivers from cell phone use since 2011, but none have been approved.
Accidents caused by distracted driving are preventable. The following tips can help ensure you make it to your destination safely:
- Never Use Your Phone While Driving: Only use your cell phone behind the wheel in an emergency. If possible, always pull off the road to make a call or send a text. Even hands-free devices can be distracting and dangerous.
- Avoid Multitasking: Keep your focus on the road. Avoid changing your music, updating your GPS, calling friends, or eating. Make sure you are settled before starting your drive.
- Don’t Drive Drowsy: If you feel tired while driving, get off the road as soon as possible. Get the rest your body requires. Never rush. Never try to push yourself to your destination.
- Limit Your Number of Passengers: Multiple passengers can cause multiple distractions—creating a dangerous driving environment. Limit your number of passengers—or even drive solo if possible.
In the event of a motor vehicle accident caused by distracted driving, the right attorney will investigate every detail and fight hard to ensure that your rights are protected.
If you or a loved one are injured in an accident that not your fault, Daggett Shuler Law is here to help. Call us today at 336-724-1234 for a FREE, confidential consultation. When you call, you will speak with an experienced Winston-Salem and Greensboro, NC Car Accident attorney at no cost to you.
At Daggett Shuler, you will never pay an attorney’s fee up front, and we don’t get paid until we recover for you.
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