Goldsboro, N.C. — April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) is reminding drivers to stay alert and focused behind the wheel to help prevent crashes and save lives.
Distracted driving remains one of the leading causes of vehicle crashes across North Carolina, with texting and cell phone use contributing to many of these incidents. Transportation officials say even a brief glance at a phone can take a driver’s attention away from rapidly changing traffic conditions, increasing the risk of a collision.
For the safety of everyone on the road, NCDOT encourages drivers to put phones away and maintain full attention until they reach their destination. Drivers who are distracted often react more slowly to traffic changes and are more likely to miss potential hazards or fail to take evasive action to avoid a crash.
Tips to Avoid Distractions Inside the Vehicle
NCDOT offers several recommendations to help drivers remain focused:
- Avoid texting or talking on a phone while driving. (Texting while driving is illegal in North Carolina, and cellphone use is prohibited for drivers under 18.)
- Don’t eat while driving.
- Program radio stations or music devices before beginning your trip.
- Keep the stereo at a moderate volume to hear sirens, horns, or other warning sounds.
- Designate a front-seat passenger as a “co-pilot” to assist with navigation.
- If driving alone, map out destinations in advance.
- Complete personal grooming at home, not in the vehicle.
- Teach children proper behavior to reduce distractions.
- Secure pets in a carrier to prevent them from interfering with driving.
Avoiding Distractions Outside the Vehicle
Drivers should also remain alert to outside distractions, including:
- Avoid reading roadside signs or watching activity for extended periods.
- Do not stop to talk with people outside your vehicle.
- Only allow passengers to enter the vehicle when parked safely — not at stoplights or stop signs.
Officials emphasize that staying focused while driving can significantly reduce crashes and injuries. By eliminating distractions, drivers can better react to sudden changes and keep themselves and others safe.
As part of National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, NCDOT encourages all motorists to make a commitment to distraction-free driving throughout April and beyond.
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