Statistics show the extent of the danger of distracted driving

Drivers on the roads of North Carolina face dangers each time they get behind the wheel – even if they don’t think about it a lot. However, these days, it probably seems like no danger is more prevalent on the roads than distracted drivers.

By now, we all know the tell-tale signs of a distracted driver: driving slower than the speed limit; quick-twitch lane corrections; slowly swerving out of a lane; or even seeing drivers simply looking straight at their cellphones instead of at the road.

Eating food, putting on makeup, talking to others in the car – these have always been distractions for drivers. But now, with the ever-present smartphone, technology is probably the main distraction for most drivers.

Statistics compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration show that in one recent year alone – 2020 – over 3,140 people died in motor vehicle accidents that directly involved distracted driving in some way.

The NHTSA points out that when someone is driving 55 miles per hour, looking away from the road for even five seconds is the same as not paying attention to the road for the length of a football field. The danger of distracted driving is prevalent.

What are your options?

When North Carolina residents are injured in motor vehicle accidents that were caused by distracted drivers, they may have legal options to consider. A personal injury lawsuit may help injured victims recover much-needed financial compensation to cover medical bills and other expenses that commonly arise in the aftermath of motor vehicle accidents.

If you have been in a similar situation, please visit the car accident overview section of our law firm’s website. You may find the information invaluable.