Texting and Driving: A Deadly Combination

As technology continues to progress, so too does the urge to have our smartphones by our sides 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This dependence on our devices includes the need to check texts on a regular basis, even when we are behind the wheel of a vehicle. Texting and driving is a deadly combination, a mixture of two activities which should always be kept separate.

Texting and Driving by the Numbers

• According to the Federal Communications Commission, in 2012 distracted driving was the cause of nearly 20 percent of all fatal crashes. Over 3,300 people were killed and 421,000 were injured. That works out to an average of 9 people killed every day due to distracted driving.
• North Carolina currently has a texting ban in place, but not an all-cell phone ban, which means primary drivers still have the opportunity to be distracted by phone calls. This is a primary law, which means a driver can be pulled over by an officer and cited for texting while driving.
• 33 percent of American drivers between the ages of 18 and 64 reported that they have sent or read a text message while behind the wheel, according to statistics from the CDC. With one-third of adults admitting to it, the number could be much higher if we consider how many adults did not admit to this fact.

There are several websites committed to spreading the message of how dangerous it is to text and drive. Some of these websites have been developed as a response by friends and family members of those killed by a distracted driver or by their own decision to text and drive.

What to Do After a Distracted Driving Accident

If you have ever made the decision to text while you are driving, or you have been the victim of an automobile accident caused by a distracted driver, you are going to need quality representation from a legal professional. Just as with any accident, important information like names and insurance details should be exchanged at the site, if all parties are able, and the incident should be reported to the authorities.

Texting while driving is not only dangerous to yourself and to others, but it can result in fines, points on your driver’s license, and an increase in your auto insurance rates. In some instances, your license may be suspended or even revoked. These are just some of the consequences for the deadly combination of texting and driving.

Fair and Committed Representation

If you believe you are not guilty of the offense and you choose to fight the ticket, you will need legal representation in order to challenge the citation. We are committed to providing individuals with the best representation; we understand your rights and we will make sure you do as well.

Whether you are facing DWI charges, speeding violations, or you are a victim of an auto accident and you are dealing with a personal injury, we are the experienced lawyers on your side. Contact us today for more information about how we can help you.