7 Tips to Avoid Carolina Distracted Driving

With more cars on the roads than ever before and a fast-paced, everything-now society, distracted driving accidents are on the rise. From talking on cell phones to eating and drinking to reading behind the wheel, distracted drivers are a danger to themselves and everyone else on the road. Learn these tips for avoiding Carolina distracted driving, and how a personal injury attorney can help if another injures you.

Carolina Distracted Driving

In North and South Carolina, distracted driving is as much an epidemic as it is anywhere else. According to the NHTSA, there were over 385,000 accidents across the nation in 2011 that ended in injury and over 3,300 which ended in a fatality due to distracted drivers. These numbers are unacceptable. It is vital for people to be more attentive while on the roads.

Put the Devices Away

The first and biggest tip to avoid distracted driving is to put your mobile devices away. Turn them off, stow them in a place where they’re out of reach. Even hands-free devices aren’t completely safe.

Use a Driving App

You can either set a voicemail message or automatic text response telling people you’re driving and will get back to them later, or download a driving app which monitors these situations and takes care of it for you. There are tons of handy apps out there to protect you while driving.

Know the Laws

In North and South Carolina, using cell phones is legal but texting is not. This is a primary violation, meaning you can be pulled over and cited if an officer sees you texting while driving.

Pull Over or Use Passengers

If you need to use your phone to make a call or send a text message, either pull over or have a passenger make the call. It’s much safer than risking a fatal collision!

GPS Preparedness

Many people use their GPS while driving. Never try to fiddle with it while operating your vehicle. Set your destination and volume before you begin your trip.

Pets and Kids

Make sure your pets and children are secured. Pets should be in carriers, children in car seats or seatbelts. If there are problems, pull over before addressing them.

Defensive Driving

No matter how much attention you pay, there are always others out there who will engage in dangerous behavior. Avoid eating, drinking, grooming, reading, smoking or anything else that takes your attention from the road, and make sure you engage in defensive driving. Always assume that the other person is going to make a bad choice and give yourself plenty of space to account for it and react.

If you are hurt in an accident in North or South Carolina, where another person’s distracted driving was a factor, we can help. We will fight insurance companies, make sure your rights are protected and ensure you get all the compensation you deserve to get well and regain your life. Check out our car accident personal injury services, and get in touch with us today for a free, no obligation consult on your case.