Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is one of the most common causes of serious car accidents in Charlotte, North Carolina. Though distracted driving is often linked to cell phone use, there are many different causes of driver distraction. Talking to passengers, pushing buttons on the stereo, or merely losing focus on the road can all cause devastating car accidents.

If you have suffered an injury caused by distracted driving, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries under North Carolina personal injury law. At Arnold & Smith, PLLC our skilled car accident attorneys have helped many clients recover compensation for their injuries. To learn how we can help you seek compensation for your injuries, contact our law firm today to schedule your free initial consultation.

Despite the publicity about the dangers of texting and driving, drivers continue to use their cell phones while driving. The National Safety Council reports that at least nine Americans die every day in distracted driving accidents. Additionally, hundreds of Americans suffer injuries from motor vehicle accidents caused by distracted driving.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that in 2017, 3,166 people in the United States died as a result of distracted driving. Deaths from distracted driving accounted for 8.5% of all fatalities that year. Approximately 481,000 drivers admit to using cell phones while driving during daylight hours in the United States. Teenagers are reportedly the largest age group that is most frequently distracted at the time of the fatal crashes.

Cell Phone use is one of the most common causes of distracted driving. The National Safety Council estimates that using cell phones accounts for approximately 26% of all motor vehicle accidents.

Another common cause of distracted driving happens when people use navigational GPS systems while driving. Entering addresses into a GPS device or changing the route of the GPS device will result in driver distraction and could cause a severe car accident. Many newer vehicles have computer GPS systems on the screen of the car. Drivers might spend too much time looking at the navigational system screen instead of focusing on the road. When a driver takes his or her eyes off the road to look at the GPS for what is typically a conservative estimate of five seconds, a car accident could result.

Adjusting controls or music devices while driving can also be dangerous. Many drivers think that fiddling with the air conditioning or heating or adjusting the music is not a big deal. Drivers often underestimate how much time they spend adjusting dials on the dashboard. Many drivers hook their cell phones up to their car speakers through Bluetooth or with a chord. To change the song, the driver may need to unlock their iPhone and look up their music application. This process can lead to five to 20 seconds of distraction.

In a rush to get kids to school and arrive at work on time, it can be tempting to engage in grooming habits while driving. Nonetheless, putting on makeup, tweezing eyebrows, combing hair, shaving, or applying lipstick while driving can all cause motor vehicle accidents. Even spending five seconds to engage in grooming habits can cause a Charlotte motor vehicle accident.

Driving with pets loose and free to roam inside of a motor vehicle can be dangerous for drivers, passengers, and the pets. Sometimes pets try to come to sit in the driver’s lap. In doing so, the pet can distract the driver or make it difficult for the driver to steer correctly or maintain clear vision of the road. Children can also cause distractions. When children play with noisy toys, scream, ask questions, or fight for attention, they can easily distract their parents.

Many Americans are regularly sleep deprived and are often stressed by their busy lives. Driving can unfortunately be the perfect opportunity for drivers to zone out and daydream. While fatigued, drivers are less likely to pay attention to the road and more likely to zone out and engage in distracted driving. Driving while one's brain is on "autopilot" can be unintentional, but it can also put the driver at risk of causing a car accident.

Distracted drivers cause injuries and death every day on North Carolina roads. If you or a loved one have suffered an injury caused by a distracted driver’s negligence, we can help. Contact our Charlotte personal injury attorneys today to schedule your free initial consultation. Contact Arnold & Smith, PLLC, to analyze your particular situation. Call us now at 704-370-2828 to speak with our lawyers to explore your legal options or fill out our contact form. Now taking cases throughout North Carolina with offices in Uptown Charlotte, Mooresville and our new location in Monroe.