With the Fourth of July weekend finally here, traffic levels are going to be consistently high, as people make their way to visit family and friends in town, or travel to more distant locations for some much-needed rest and relaxation. In fact, many experts are predicting a record number of drivers on the roads and highways given the favorable prices at the pump.
In anticipation of this occurring, AAA Carolinas launched a new public safety campaign aimed squarely at combating one of the single greatest hazards facing motorists today: distracted driving.
Specifically, organizers have posted messages on all manner of surfaces throughout the two states — particularly coastal towns — urging motorists to stay focused on the road ahead and abide by applicable texting bans.
While some might question the need for such a campaign, consider that the most recent statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reveal that distracted driving was behind an astounding 431,000 injuries and 3,179 fatalities in 2014 alone.
In addition to its public safety campaign, AAA Carolinas has compiled some valuable safety tips for minimizing distractions that motorists of all ages should keep in mind.
Some of these tips include:
- Keep cell phones off or stowed away, and, if their use proves necessary, pull over to a safe location
- Make any necessary adjustments prior to getting underway from setting the GPS and adjusting mirrors to programming radio stations and securing children and pets
- Store any loose items before driving if they will roll around in the car and divert focus from the road
- Resist the urge to eat or perform personal grooming behind the wheel
- Understand that hands-free cell phone use and other hands-free features can be just as distracting as texting
Here’s hoping for a safe Fourth of July holiday for drivers here in North Carolina and across the nation.
If you been seriously injured in a crash caused by a distracted driver, consider speaking with a skilled legal professional as soon as possible to learn more about your options for pursuing justice.
