When a person is distracted while driving on North Carolina roads, anything from a simple fender-bender to a deadly situation can occur. Just one moment of negligent, distracted driving can shatter the life of a victim or multiple victims.
There are many forms of distracted driving. Sometimes it is obvious that an accident has occurred due to distracted driving. While other times it is more difficult to determine whether there was a distraction at all.
Here are a few common distractions that can impair a person’s driving ability.
Using a Cellphone
One of the most common driving distractions is cellphones. In the state of North Carolina, it is illegal for a person to send or read text messages or emails while driving. In accordance with the state law regarding cellphone use, it can also be presumed that accessing social media accounts while driving is also unlawful. If a person is using a phone, in any manner, when he or she hits you, he or she may be guilty of distracted driving. Fruthermore, it is against the law for someone under the age of 18 to use a cellphone at all while driving, including taking calls.
Focusing on Kids in the Vehicle
It is important to teach children how to properly behave when inside a vehicle. Parents should educate children of the fact that a person’s ability to operate a vehicle safely depends on others in the car as well. Trying to drive while also coping with fighting children, will make it more challenging to pay attention to factors outside of the car and on the road.
Dealing with Pets
While in the car, pets may become upset or frightened. Even if your pet has never had an issue in a vehicle before, it is still possible. Pets that are not secured and free to roam around the vehicle will cause a distraction. Your pet can also interfere with the operation of the vehicle itself. If your pet is somehow able to block the gas petal, for example, you may not be able to brake properly. Our advice is to keep animals in a travel-approved crate.
Victims of distracted driving can find help by consulting an attorney at Hardee, Massey & Blodgett, LLP. The information provided in this blog is intended for informational purposes only, not as legal advice.