More teens die texting while driving than driving drunk, according to a recent nationwide study.
Texting while driving accidents pose real dangers for North Carolinians as well.
“In 2013, more than 1000 crashes in our state involved drivers who were distracted by their cell phones”, says Isaac Thorp, an attorney who handles distracted driver accident claims. “Fifteen of those crashes resulted in fatalities."
Jeff Gordon, with the N.C. Highway Patrol, says that texting is one of the biggest distractions young drivers face. "On average, a teen will text 790 text messages per month. So a lot of that, unfortunately, takes place behind the wheel," Gordon said.
Gordon explained that it is illegal for a driver under 18 years old with a provisional license to use a phone at all while driving, even with a hands-free device.
The Highway Patrol is starting a new campaign with the goal of reducing the number of traffic deaths and collisions involving teenagers.
The patrol will conduct "Operation: Drive to Live" during the week of April 20 to coincide with the beginning of prom season. The campaign includes the use of a driver simulation tool to show young drivers how their decisions behind the wheel can harm themselves and others.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a texting while driving accident, you need to move quickly to preserve key evidence, such as mobile phone records and social media communications of the distracted driver. Many vehicles also contain a “black box recorder” – an onboard computer that records key speed and braking information in the seconds before a crash.
At Thorp Law, we have access to a statewide network of rapid response investigators who can quickly download and preserve black box evidence before it is erased. Our attorney immediately send out evidence request and preservation letters so that text messages, phone records, and other key evidence is captured before it disappears. Contact Thorp Law for a free consultation by calling (919) 373-3390.
Thorp Law attorney handle major personal injury, wrongful death, product liability and eminent domain cases throughout North Carolina, including Wake, Wilson, Robeson, Mecklenburg, Alamance, and Durham counties. Thorp Law attorney handle a wide range of texting while driving accident claims.