Accidents caused by distracted drivers are 100% preventable.
The Hands-Free Law in NC stipulates that you cannot use your mobile phone while driving, whether to read or send text messages, as long as the motor vehicle is in motion. The only exception to this law is for law enforcement and emergency responders on duty.
Drivers can legally use Google Maps on a mobile phone if it is in hands-free mode and is in a fixed position.
While most motorists over 18 years old are allowed to talk on a cell phone while driving, texting while driving is banned. North Carolina is a “primary law” state, which means that the police can stop you and issue you a ticket solely for violating this law.
Numbers from recent NCDOT data shows that:
1,523 fatal crashes were due to distracted driving.
69,021 distracted driving collisions resulted in injuries.
Estimates break down the crash data by type of distraction, too:
In 1,186 crashes, drivers were distracted by an electronic device (e.g., cell phone use, texting while driving, etc.)
Other electronic equipment like GPS devices and DVD players contributed to 413 distracted driving accidents.
Passengers or other activities inside the vehicle were factors in at least 1,140 distracted driving accidents.
External distractions contributed to 354 wrecks.
Among teenagers, the DOT figures report that:
10, 845 crashes were due to distracted driving.
Of those accidents, 8 teenagers died and 2,426 suffered injuries
Using a phone while driving a vehicle is a decision that not only affects you it also can affect those around you. Make sure that you are making smart decisions and acting responsibly.
07/11/24
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