LOCAL KNOWLEDGEABLE, DISTRCATED DRIVING ATTORNEYS IN NORTH CAROLINA, SOUTH CAROLINA & VIRGINIA!

Over 1.6 Million Motor Vehicle Accidents Occur Each Year As A Result of Distracted Driving

In the United States, distracted drivers behind the wheel have truly aided in the creation of a nationwide epidemic. In conjunction with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the United States government released Distraction.gov – a website that’s aimed at educating drivers and passengers all across the country through investigative statistics, and information, from various reliable outlets and organizations.

It’s clear, that distracted driving in any form, can certainly be the direct cause of many car, truck, bus or motorcycle accidents that take place in North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia. At the moment, there is no federal law in place that mandates or governs the usage of a cell phone while behind the wheel or a motor vehicle – however, it’s incredibly important to be aware of the laws in the state that you live in, or work in.

Click below to read through the laws in North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia

North Carolina

In North Carolina, minors (commonly referred to as novice drivers) are banned from using any type of device while driving, whereas all drivers are still able to legally use a navigation system or talk on the phone via a hand-held device, texting and driving itself, is outlawed for all drivers in the state of North Carolina.

South Carolina

In South Carolina, no matter what age you are, if you’re behind the wheel of a car it is illegal to text and drive, or send an email while driving. However, at this present junction in time, there is no law in place prohibiting drivers from using a hands-free device to make or receive a phone call while operating a motor vehicle on the open road.

Virginia

In the State of Virginia, it’s illegal to use a cell phone or any handheld device to send or receive a text message while operating a motor vehicle on a public road. The law in Virginia is still in the process of being refined, so it’s best to check back with MRSB in the future to make sure you & your family are always abiding by the law!

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What are the Types of Distracted Driving?

According to Esurance, the three most common forms of distracted driving are cognitive, visual and manual distractions. Cognitive distractions are when a driver’s mind is not properly focused on the road in front of them. For instance, if a driver is more focused on speaking to passengers or being focused on problems at work, or at home.

Anything that takes your mind off the road is a potential risk, whether that be listening to your favorite playlist, or podcast – or even thinking about what you should make for dinner.

A visual distraction, which is far too common, is when a driver takes their eyes off the road for any reason, whether it’s to use an electronic device like a GPS or a cell phone or if they’re in the process of being distracted by something occuring off to the side of the road, which is commonly called rubbernecking. Manual distractions are when drivers remove their hands from the usual, and recommended, “ten-and-two” position, to perhaps eat and drive, or to retrieve something from their wallet, purse, or backpack.

How serious is the distracted driver problem?

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s “2015 Motor Vehicle Crashes: Overview,” there were 35,092 motor vehicle traffic fatalities in the United States in 2015—2,348 more fatalities than the 32,744 in 2014. The 7.2-percent increase is the largest percentage increase in nearly 50 years. Fatalities from distracted driving crashes increased from 3,197 in 2014 to 3,477 in 2015, or 8.8 percent. Even with the passing of stricter laws, motorists driving distracted are still a very real threat to road safety.

Involved in an accident caused by a distracted driver? Call us.

Marcari, Russotto, Spencer and Balaban will proudly represent any individuals that have been involved in a personal injury matter, all across the Carolinas and Virginia. Call us toll free today at (855) 435-7247, or contact Marcari, Russotto, Spencer and Balaban online to schedule your free consultation. Our firm works on a contingency fee basis, meaning that until your case is resolved, and you’ve received your financial compensation, you don’t have to pay legal fees.