Five examples of distracted driving include texting, eating while driving, adjusting the radio, talking to passengers, and using GPS or navigation apps. Each of these activities pulls a driver’s attention away from the road—whether visually, manually, or mentally—and significantly increases the risk of a crash.
A North Carolina car accident lawyer can help determine whether distracted driving played a role in your accident and what legal options may be available to pursue compensation. Even brief moments of inattention can lead to serious or fatal collisions, and proving distraction is often key to a successful injury claim.
Understanding the Different Types of Driver Distraction
Distracted driving is commonly grouped into three categories:
- Visual distraction: Taking your eyes off the road
- Manual distraction: Removing your hands from the wheel
- Cognitive distraction: Taking your mind off driving
Some activities involve all three types, making them especially dangerous. Below, we break down five of the most common forms of distraction behind the wheel and why they matter.
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1. Texting or Using a Smartphone
Texting is one of the most dangerous distractions because it combines visual, manual, and cognitive distractions. Reading or sending a message takes your eyes off the road for an average of five seconds—long enough to cover a football field if you’re driving at highway speed.
In North Carolina, texting while driving is illegal, but enforcement can be difficult unless the behavior directly leads to an accident or is observed by law enforcement.
2. Eating or Drinking While Driving
Grabbing a quick bite or sipping coffee behind the wheel might seem harmless, but it divides your focus and often requires one or both hands off the wheel. Spills or dropped food can lead to sudden reactions that cause swerving or braking.
This type of distraction is especially common during commutes or long-haul drives, and it’s a factor in more accidents than many drivers realize.
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3. Adjusting Vehicle Controls
Changing the radio station, climate settings, or even interacting with a touchscreen infotainment system can create a surprising amount of distraction. These tasks may seem routine, but even a short visual or manual distraction can lead to rear-end collisions or lane departures.
Newer vehicles with advanced features can actually increase the risk if the controls aren’t intuitive or require scrolling through menus.
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4. Talking to Passengers
Conversations in the car—especially animated or emotional ones—can divert a driver’s attention, even if their eyes remain on the road. Teen drivers, in particular, are more likely to be distracted by friends or passengers in the vehicle.
Parents traveling with children may also become distracted while trying to attend to a child in the back seat, which can lead to dangerous split-second decisions.
5. Using GPS or Navigation Apps
While navigation is a helpful tool, entering an address, glancing at turn-by-turn directions, or listening to voice commands can all create moments of distraction. Many drivers also attempt to reroute or adjust settings mid-drive, increasing the risk of a crash.
Using a mounted GPS or voice-activated controls can reduce distraction—but they don’t eliminate it entirely.
Why Distracted Driving Matters in Accident Claims
When someone causes an accident because they were distracted, it’s considered a form of negligence. But proving distraction isn’t always easy. Insurance companies may deny fault or downplay the behavior unless there’s clear evidence, such as phone records or witness statements.
This is where working with a truck accident lawyer—or a general motor vehicle accident attorney—can make all the difference. Legal teams know how to build strong claims by securing evidence and showing exactly how distraction led to a crash.
How We Help Victims of Distracted Driving
At DeMayo Law Offices, we represent clients across North Carolina who’ve been injured by distracted drivers. Whether someone was texting behind the wheel or simply not paying attention, we work to hold them accountable and pursue full compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
We investigate the scene, gather digital and physical evidence, and consult with experts to demonstrate fault. Our team has over 250 years of combined legal experience, and we bring that knowledge to every case we handle.
Distracted driving is more than just a traffic offense—it’s a real danger that changes lives. We’re here to help you recover what you’ve lost and move forward with confidence.
What to Do if You’re Hit by a Distracted Driver
If you believe the person who caused your crash was distracted, taking the right steps can strengthen your case:
- Call 911: Make sure a police report is filed and request medical help if needed
- Document everything: Take photos of the scene, damage, and any visible injuries
- Look for witnesses: They may have seen the driver using a phone or acting distracted
- Avoid discussing fault: Don’t admit anything to the other driver or their insurance company
- Get medical attention: Even if you feel okay, symptoms may develop later
- Speak with an attorney: A legal team can help protect your claim and gather evidence
Time is critical—both for your health and your case.
Call DeMayo Law Offices if You Were Injured by a Distracted Driver
If a distracted driver caused your injuries, you shouldn’t be left paying the price. You have the right to seek compensation, and you don’t have to go through it alone.
Call DeMayo Law Offices today. We’ll walk you through your options, help you understand what your case may be worth, and fight to hold the at-fault driver accountable. At DeMayo Law, we stand by our promise of People Over Profits™, and we’re proud to be Your North Carolina Law Firm™.
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