Distracted driving is dangerous and can cause serious car accidents and injuries to victims. The injuries and harm associated with a distracted driving-related car accident can be something victims and families are left facing and dealing with for a lifetime. For that reason, they should be familiar with how to hold distracted drivers accountable.
What is considered distracted driving?
Distracted driving includes dangerous behaviors such as:
- Texting while driving – texting while driving is prohibited. It is also considered the most dangerous form of distracted driving. It involves all three forms of distracted driving including cognitive distraction, manual distraction and visual distraction. Texting while driving is illegal behavior in North Carolina.
- Cell phone use while driving – cell phone use while driving should be avoided. Using a cell phone to communicate, view webpages or text is dangerous distracted driving behavior.
- Operating a radio or navigation device while driving – operating, programing or fiddling with a radio or navigation device while driving is considered driver distraction and should be avoided.
- Grooming while driving – grooming while driving, such as combing hair, applying makeup or shaving, are all considered dangerous distracted driving behaviors and should be avoided.
- Reading while driving – reading a newspaper or other materials while driving can be distracting and should be avoided.
- Engaging with passengers, pets or children – engaging with passengers, pets or children while driving can be considered driver distraction and may be dangerous. Drivers should interactions with passengers, pets and children to a minimum whenever possible.
Drivers who are not paying close attention to the roadway, and are distracted while driving, are more likely to respond more slowly to traffic conditions, road hazards and other changing driving conditions. This can result in accidents. For that reason, victims of distracted drivers should be familiar with personal injury legal help that may be available to them following a distracted driving-related car accident and should also be familiar with distracted driving behaviors to avoid.