AAA Carolinas: Distracted Driving Is An Epidemic

The July 4th holiday is here and lots of people are expected to be traveling by car, creating the potential for more accidents.

In fact, AAA expects more North Carolinians will be on the roads over this Independence Day holiday than ever before. That's due in part to growth across the state, lower gas prices, and competitive rental rates.

According to Tiffany Wright of AAA Carolinas, more cars on the road also drives up the chance for more collisions, especially given the rise of distracted driving. 

“It's really become an epidemic. And it's just so preventable. And we just urge every motorist to put the phone away. We like to say ‘disconnect and drive,'" she says.

While cell phone use is an obvious culprit in keeping drivers' eyes off the road, Wright points out that electronics aren't the only concern.

"It's eating behind the wheel, it's grooming, basically any attention that takes your attention away from driving is distracted driving,” she adds.

AAA is also encouraging drivers to use seatbelts, obey speed limits and take advantage of services like Uber and Lyft if they plan on drinking. Wright also says that parents can play an important role in shaping childrens' driving habits by setting boundaries.

Independence Day is considered one of the deadliest days of the year for traffic fatalities.