Driving Distracted: Types, Risks, and Prevention

Every day, 9 people are killed and over 1,000 are injured due to people driving distracted. Driving distracted can look plenty of different ways. From people texting, to people eating, and drunk drivers. No matter which way you pose it, driving distracted is dangerous to every driver on the road— you included.

Driving Distracted: Accident Prevention

Types of distractions

Driving distracted comes in three major forms. Cognitive distraction is when a driver is not paying attention to the road because of their thoughts or mental impairment— an example would be driving drunk. Visual distraction occurs when a driver is looking at something other than the road— such as texting and driving. The final type, manual, happens when a driver’s hands are off the steering wheel— which could be associated with texting or eating behind the wheel.

Distraction risks

Driving distracted comes with a number of risks. Mental distractions increase the chance of making mistakes that lead to accidents. Visual ones can prevent you from seeing and reacting to changes on the road. Lastly, manual distractions prevent you from having full control of your car, which could also easily cause an accident.

Of course, it’s important to understand that you’re not the only one at risk when you’re being a distracted driver. Your passengers, other drivers, and pedestrians are at risk as well. All it takes is a few seconds of distraction for an accident to occur.

So… how can I prevent my own distracted driving?

The best way to avoid driving distracted is to avoid potential distractions before they become a problem. For example, it’s a good idea to put your phone up and away before you begin driving. If something comes up while you’re driving, pull over before you address it. Furthermore, if you plan to have a bottle of wine with dinner— plan to take an Uber or Lyft. Considering what distractions might arise before you drive might just save you from getting a ticket, a DUI, or even into an accident.

Cracking down…

There has been a large push nationally to crack down on distracted drivers, especially those that text and drive. 46 states have banned texting and driving, and have heavy penalties for those that do. Many insurance companies also provide incentives for safe drivers, such as lower monthly rates. So, not only can safe driving prevent accidents— it can actually save you money.
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All drivers can take steps to avoid distracted driving. It’s important to know that when you’re driving, the road takes priority over everything else. Your phone and other distractions can wait until you’re done driving.

Buzzed Driving vs. Drunk Driving: Is there a difference? 

When it comes to drinking, you typically hear people refer to their state in one of two basic ways: buzzed, or drunk. You might think these are synonymous, but to an avid drinker— one is merely a step along the way to another. However, when it comes to a DUI, doesn’t any type of impaired driving result in trouble? In short, yes and no. It all comes down to that BAC, which is at least mildly indicative of what term the driver uses. So, buzzed driving vs drunk driving can lead to many of the same problems…

Buzzed Driving vs Drunk Driving: Is there a difference?

A slang term

In the Carolinas, drunk driving is driving with a BAC of .08 or higher. Therefore, if you say you were just ‘buzzed’ and not ‘drunk’, you might be trying to infer that you fell below that .08 mark. However, buzzed is just a slang term and it ultimately will hold no weight when it comes you arresting officer.

The problem with feeling that ‘buzz’ is that many times, the person is just trying to say they’re feeling the effects, but they’re still coherent. However, the problem with this, is that the feeling can come at a different point for everyone. For instance, someone who drinks every night of the week might not feel that buzz until they’re past the legal limit. Or, others may feel it after one drink.

In the end it’s up to you to understand how alcohol is affecting your body

Terms aside, if you blow above the legal limit, you will face DUI. So, it is up to you to determine your limits. You plan on driving? Drink, or don’t, accordingly. At the end of the day, driving under the influence can lead to a number of problems. Whether it one of the other, buzzed driving vs drunk driving, it comes down to numbers. In addition, if you’re one of those who feel the effects of one drink, you might still fail field sobriety tests. If you act thoroughly intoxicated, even below the legal limit, you may potentially still be taken in, and booked. So, drive safe, drink smart, and know your limits. 

North Carolina Man Pronounced Dead on Scene After Collision

A North Carolina man, who collided with a pickup truck on Carolina Beach Road, was pronounced dead at the scene.  A Lieutenant for the Wilmington, North Carolina Police Department said a white Harley Davidson was heading southbound on Carolina Beach Road when the driver of the pickup truck was pulling out of a parking lot.

He was then broadsided by the motorcycle.

The rider of the motorcycle is reported to have died on impact, and Carolina Beach Road was closed off at Independence Boulevard and Raleigh Street and the area was shut-off just like a crime scene. Sometimes you can recover for and injury or wrongful death or personal injury and sometimes suit is not an option.

North Carolina abides by the contributory negligence model for personal injury.  This is the least favorable threshold for injury victims.  This means that if you are negligent in any way – even 1 percent at fault, you cannot collect one dollar in damages.  It is important to have a skilled attorney to prove that the plaintiff was not, in any way, at fault.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, there is a chance that you may be able to recover for your injuries.  For a free consultation, call the law offices of Robert J. Reeves, P.C.  at our Charlotte, North Carolina office at 704-499-9000.  We will be pleased to consult with you.