2024 What Are Considered Distractions While Driving in NC?

Driving while distracted can easily lead to disaster. In fact, distracted driving accidents are more prevalent than those caused by driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Most folks believe that checking a quick text or changing the radio station while driving is harmless, yet these simple mistakes can result in devastating consequences. Along with these actions, you might wonder, “What are considered distractions while driving in NC?”

Being a distracted driver is not only illegal, but it can also result in the horrific injury or even death of another individual on the roadway. Distracted driving is not always a victimless illegal act. Injuries that follow a distracted driving accident can vary in severity, from simple cuts and bruises to broken bones, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain damage, and even wrongful death. If you or someone you love has been injured due to distracted driving, help is available.

What Are Common Distractions While Driving in North Carolina?

Distracted driving is the term used to define actions that take a driver’s hands off the wheel or eyes and attention away from the road before them. There are three main types of distracted driving actions that can result in car accidents. These include the following:

• Manual Distractions: Manual distractions make you take your hands off the wheel of your vehicle. These actions can include eating, drinking, changing the radio station, using your cell phone, adjusting temperature controls, stretching for something out of reach, applying makeup, smoking, or handing an item to someone in the back seat.
• Visual Distractions: Visual distractions cause you to take your eyes off the roadway. These include checking your GPS or navigation system, using the mirror to apply makeup, looking at your cell phone, checking to see what song is currently playing, or searching for lost items.
• Cognitive Distractions: Cognitive distractions take your concentration and focus away from driving. These could include driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol, talking to other passengers inside the vehicle, road rage, stress, or driving while fatigued.

It is important to note that this is not an exhaustive list. There are plenty of other actions that may distract you from the task at hand, either by taking your hands from the wheel, removing your focus from the roadway, or impairing you from having the ability to drive.

What Are the Legalities Surrounding Distracted Driving in North Carolina?

Surprisingly, most actions that cause distracted driving are not technically illegal, with a few exceptions. North Carolina driving laws only prohibit the following actions while driving:

• Texting or emailing. Those operating a motor vehicle on state roadways are not allowed to read or write emails or text messages while the vehicle is in motion. Those found to be in violation of this law must pay a $100 fine and subsequent court costs.
• Cell phone use by an individual under 18 years old. All drivers under the age of 18 are not allowed to use their phone in any way unless in cases of emergencies. Even then, they are only allowed to contact parents or legal guardians. Those who are found in violation of this law must pay a $25 fee.
• Cell phone use by bus drivers. With the exception of emergencies, individuals operating a school bus are not allowed to use their cell phones.

How to Prevent Distracted Driving

Driving a motor vehicle requires your full attention. The easiest way to stay focused and avoid distractions is to keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel at all times. Other ways to avoid distracted driving include:

• Silencing your phone or placing it on airplane mode
• Turning your phone completely off
• Putting your cell phone out of the way in a place such as a bag or compartment of your vehicle
• Choosing to eat inside a restaurant or while parked in a parking lot
• Loading your GPS instructions before beginning your journey

In some instances, a driving accident is inevitable, but it is important to do your part to mitigate the risk.

FAQs

Q: How Are Distracted Driving Laws Enforced in North Carolina?

A: In North Carolina, distracted driving laws are enforced in one of two ways. First, there is primary enforcement, such as instances where a police officer pulls an individual over and issues a ticket for a traffic violation. The other way is considered secondary enforcement, where the individual is pulled over and issued a ticket for the violation of a separate traffic law that was caused by distracted driving.

Q: What Are the Penalties for Distracted Driving in North Carolina?

A: In North Carolina, the penalties for distracted driving can vary and are highly dependent on the circumstances surrounding any type of accident that may occur. Common punishments include fines, court costs, points added to your driver’s license, and higher insurance rates. If the distracted driving incident results in a death, you may face higher fines, criminal charges, and even jail time.

Q: Is Texting and Driving Illegal in North Carolina?

A: In North Carolina, it is legal for individuals operating a motorized vehicle over the age of 18 to talk on the phone while driving. However, they are prohibited from texting or emailing while driving under state law. However, if the individual is under the age of 18, they are prohibited from using their cell phone at all while driving unless in case of an emergency.

Q: How Can a Personal Injury Attorney Help After a Distracted Driving Accident?

A: After a distracted driving accident in North Carolina, in which you or someone you love has sustained injuries, a personal injury lawyer may be able to help. Once they review your case, the attorney can:

• Determine fault.
• Investigate the claim.
• Gather evidence.
• Handle negotiations between insurance companies.
• Represent you in a court of law if the need arises.

Talk to an Experienced North Carolina Personal Injury Lawyer Today

If you or someone you love has been injured in an accident as the result of distracted driving, you may be eligible for compensation. The personal injury lawyers at Christina Rivenbark & Associates are here to review your case and determine who the at-fault party may be. They can then assist you in pursuing a compensation claim. Contact our offices today, and let us help you find the justice and closure you deserve.