April has been designated Distracted Driving Awareness Month, a national campaign that aims to inform and remind motorists of the dangers of taking focus from the road. When you fall prey to common interference like adjusting the navigation system, texting a friend, or eating while behind the wheel, you run the risk of not only causing catastrophic car accidents but also facing serious penalties and fines. Here is what the traffic ticket lawyers from the Bates Law Firm PLLC, serving Anson, Richmond, Stanly, and Union Counties, NC, want you to know about the potential consequences of this harmful act. 

Life-Threatening Dangers

Anything that takes your focus off traffic, hands off the wheel, or eyes off the road is considered a driving distraction. The most dangerous ones are those that do all three, like texting. There is no message so urgent that it cannot wait until you reach the destination safely. Distracted motorists killed nearly 3,500 people in 2016 alone, and every one of those fatalities was preventable. That same year, an additional 391,000 individuals sustained injuries in collisions involving a negligent driver. 

Legal Ramifications 

In the state of North Carolina, all motorists are prohibited from texting or manually using a smartphone while their vehicle is in motion. Also, new drivers are banned from operating hands-free devices while behind the wheel. If police charge you with texting and driving, you face a fine of $25 if you are a novice driver or $100 if you are over 18. If you caused a collision that resulted in bodily injury or death, you could face additional criminal penalties and even jail time, depending on the circumstances. When so much is at stake, it is wise to turn to a seasoned traffic ticket lawyer for guidance. 

If the police have accused you of committing a moving violation like texting and driving, turn to the Bates Law Firm PLLC. Based in Wadesboro, the firm is committed to protecting clients’ rights when they find themselves on the wrong side of the law. They focus on criminal and DWI defense, and their strategic team, led by Aaron D. Bates, knows how to secure the most favorable outcomes possible. Visit their website to explore all the legal services they provide, or call (704) 694-0195 to schedule an initial consultation with a traffic ticket lawyer today.