Since the advent of smart phones and other smart devices, distracted driving has become an issue across the country and around the world. Distracted driving is anything a person does while driving that takes their attention away from the road. People become too attached to their devices, unable to keep themselves from looking at it while they are driving. This distraction inevitably leads to a traffic accident, potentially hurting innocent drivers and bystanders.

In North Carolina, local news outlets have reported on the skyrocketing rates of distracted driving in the state. State troopers note that they have seen an increase in drivers who are driving too slowly and drifting out of their lanes while they are out on patrol. This behavior can lead to accidents, injuries, and fatalities.

Distracted Driving Rates in North Carolina

One important aspect of the distracted driving statistics for North Carolina is that drivers must report if they were engaging in distracted driving following a traffic accident. Therefore, there may be more distracted drivers than the already high numbers shown in the statistics.

In 2016, distracted driving was reported as the cause of one-fifth of accidents in North Carolina. There were more than 267,000 collisions in the state. 1,441 people were killed, and another 130,137 people were injured as a result of these accidents. This means that thousands of people are injured and hundreds of people were killed as a result of distracted driving in North Carolina last year.

What Laws Exist to Keep Roads Safer?

There are some laws in place to discourage distracted driving in North Carolina. If you are a driver under 18 years of age, you cannot use any kind of wireless technology or communication devices while you are operating a vehicle. Once you are over the age of 18, these restrictions are eased. No drivers in North Carolina are allowed to read, write, or send a text message while they are operating a vehicle. You can only break these laws if you need to contact any emergency responders, the fire department, law enforcement, or need to call for medical help.

Anyone caught breaking these distracted driving laws is subject to fines or greater forms of punishment. However, many people still disregard these laws despite the punishment that exists for those who are caught. Distracted driving remains a danger on the roads of North Carolina.

Get the Help You Need After a Distracted Driving Accident

Have you been injured or has a loved one been killed as a result of a car accident caused by a distracted driver? If so, The Nye Law Group can help you. Contact us today to talk about your free case evaluation. Our experienced attorneys can help you determine if you are entitled to compensation for your accident involving a distracted driver. This compensation can help you get your life back on track, making up for the cost of your medical bills and the wages that you may have lost as a result of your accident.