The National Safety Council Observes April as Distracted Driving Awareness Month

Distracted Driving Awareness

At Dewey, Ramsay & Hunt, P.A., our Charlotte car accident attorneys have witnessed firsthand how quickly distracted driving can change people’s lives. When most people think of distracted driving, their first thoughts are texting and driving. While cellphone use behind the wheel plays a significant role in distracted driving crashes in North Carolina and across the country, a distraction occurs when a driver’s attention is diverted away from driving to some other activity.

Unfortunately, there is no lack of distractions — either inside or outside the vehicle.

A distraction can be produced by something a driver sees or hears, some physical tasks not directly involved in driving, or other mental activities that take their minds away from concentrating on the road ahead.

Here is how distracted driving has a negative and often catastrophic impact on motorists throughout North Carolina.

The Dangerous Impact Distracted Driving Has on North Carolina Communities

Drivers cannot operate their vehicles safely unless the task of driving has their full attention. Any non-driving activity they engage in is a potential distraction and increases the risk of crashing.

The exact number of annual crashes caused by driver inattention is unknown. This is because motorists are unwilling to admit they were not paying attention when the accident occurred.

Where the cause was known, distracted driving killed 3,522 people last year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The National Safety Council reported at least eight people a day are killed in distracted driving crashes. This includes distracted drivers, other motorists, motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians.

While using a cell phone when driving creates enormous potential for deaths and injuries on North Carolina roads, other distractions may include:

• Attending to children in the vehicle.
• Eating or drinking.
• Grooming.
• Onboard electronics, including stereo systems and GPS.
• Passenger interference.
• Reaching for dropped objects.
• Unrestrained pets.

Join our Charlotte car accident attorney in observing Distracted Driving Awareness Month and help everyone get home safely.

Contact Our Experienced Charlotte Car Accident and Injury Attorneys Today

If your life has been impacted by a distracted driver in North Carolina, contact our car accident and injury attorneys in Charlotte at Dewey, Ramsay & Hunt to schedule a free consultation by calling 704-377-3737 or contacting us online.

We provide unique legal services tailored to fit each client’s needs and do not get paid unless you do.

Your Injury, Our Fight. How can we help you take a stand?

Because every case is different, the description of awards and cases previously managed by our law firm does not guarantee a similar outcome in current or future cases.