In NC, June Is "No Texting, Just Driving" Awareness Month

In an effort to educate residents of North Carolina on the dangers of texting while driving and other unsafe driving behaviors, the state's highway patrol has officially declared June as "No Texting, Just Driving" month. According to Highway Patrol First Sergeant Jeff Gordon, the state has seen increases in the number of accidents caused by drivers who were either texting while operating a motor vehicle or engaging in some other type of distracted behavior. These increases similarly reflect those that have been popping up in states throughout the U.S., and North Carolina officials seem to be unwilling to let the statistics continue to rise without attempts at making them subside.

As reported by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly 6,000 people lost their lives in 2008 alone, all in incidents that involved a distracted driver. Specifically, the state's initiative is targeting teenagers, as they have been determined as most likely to engage in forms of distracted driving that could result in catastrophic auto accidents that may have been avoided. While the state's highway patrol system recognizes that distracted driving comes in all forms and occurs in every age group, it will continue to center its aim on teen drivers, at least for the month of June.

Reports issued by the North Carolina state highway patrol indicate that teenage drivers under the age of 20 are those most likely to be involved in an accident that was caused by distracted driving. In fact, they are said to have the highest number of fatal collisions that are related to distraction in some way or another. According to the state's highway patrol system, the number of teenage deaths that resulted from collisions related to distracted driving in 2011 totals a whopping 120. This is far too many deaths among youthful residents of the state who have full lives ahead of them which should not be compromised or taken too early by an accident caused by distraction.

Throughout the state, public service announcements are scheduled for radio and television appearances. Presentations are expected to be under way in various organizational groups in different cities across North Carolina, all focusing on the dangers posed by distracted driving. In addition to raising awareness about the problem, officials will also introduce prevention strategies and calls to action to those willing to listen. With the main goal of June's campaign being to prevent lives from being innocently lost, state law enforcement officers and other officials are taking the matter very seriously. As it stands, North Carolina law prohibits drivers from sending and / receiving text messages while in a moving vehicle under their operation. Violators of this law are subject to fines of $100, plus the cost of court fees.

If you or someone you love were the unfortunate victims of an auto accident that was caused by a distracted driver then you should not hesitate to contact an associate from our firm for legal help. Under the guidance of a Raleigh personal injury lawyer at our office, you can actively pursue an accident of this nature, taking care to hold the responsible party liable for their actions, whether through a personal injury claim, a property damage claim or even a wrongful death claim. At the Whitley Law Firm, we strive to remain by your side through any legal situation for which you require assistance, and we will not waver in our efforts to do so, especially when it comes to securing you with the best possible means of receiving the compensation you deserve after an accident of this nature. Do not wait to contact the Whitley Law Firm for the help you need when you need it most.