GARNER, N.C. — April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month across the United States.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that more than 3,300 people died as a result of distracted driving in our country in 2022.
Officer J. Hammond of the Garner Police Department says, unfortunately, it's not uncommon to see distracted drivers on a regular basis.
“We see it all the time,” Hammond said. You can drive right by them and stare at them for 10 minutes and they never look up. They don't even realize we're there. ”
Currently, in North Carolina, if the driver is 18 years of age or older, it is not against the law to make a phone call while behind the wheel, but it is illegal to send a text message or email while driving.
Officials recommend that if you need to use your cell phone, pull over or allow other passengers in the vehicle to send a message or answer the call.
Drivers are also advised not to apply make-up while driving or to turn around and hand anything to someone in the back seat.
