CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – Gov. Roy Cooper signed a new effort in North Carolina to promote driver safety on roads.
He proclaimed Wednesday, Oct. 25 “Buckle Up, Phone Down Day.”
According to the North Carolina Department of Transportation, over 1,000 crashes were caused by distractions, mainly cell phone usage, in 2022.
“Never speed; better late than never,” driving instructor Pakita Garner said.
State data reports the number of car accidents rise during the holiday season, as well as deer related accidents.
“I don’t text and drive, but I feel like sometimes I eat and drive, which probably isn’t the best,” UNC senior Laney Fink said.
Sophomore Coleman Rambo said he also gets distracted while driving.
“Email notifications or things like that come through [distract me],” he said. “Music is another big one.”
The National Highway Traffic administration recommends selecting radio programs beforehand and not eating to limit distractions.