North Carolina Rules of the Road

In North Carolina accident reports, police frequently cite Fault Code 20 – Inattention, which aligns with long-established legal duties under state common law. Drivers are legally required to maintain a reasonable lookout — meaning they must remain alert and aware of their surroundings at all times, just as a careful and prudent person would under similar conditions.

This duty includes not only looking but also seeing what is reasonably visible. Failing to do so constitutes negligence. Courts have consistently held drivers accountable when their inattention causes harm — including cases where distractions like adjusting a radio led to accidents.

Drivers must also keep watch in their direction of travel, including along the road’s shoulders. Conditions such as fog or darkness increase a driver’s responsibility to remain cautious and attentive. If a driver fails to meet this standard and causes a crash, they may be found legally liable.

If you’ve been injured due to another driver’s inattention, LawyerPower Law Office of Mark Farbman is here to help you pursue justice.

1. Visual Distraction: Eyes Off the Road

Visual distraction occurs when a driver takes their eyes off the road — even momentarily. Driving requires constant observation of traffic signals, road signs, pedestrians, surrounding vehicles, and potential hazards. Any time a driver looks away from the roadway, they miss critical information needed to make safe driving decisions.

Common examples of visual distractions include:

• Reading or sending a text message
• Looking at a GPS or map
• Watching a video or checking social media
• Turning to look at a passenger or child in the back seat
• Staring at an accident or billboard on the side of the road

Even a two-second glance away from the road while traveling at highway speeds means covering the length of a football field without seeing what’s ahead. That’s more than enough time for a collision to occur.

2. Manual Distraction: Hands Off the Wheel

Manual distraction happens when a driver removes one or both hands from the steering wheel to engage in another activity. This type of distraction reduces the driver’s ability to react quickly or maintain full control of the vehicle, especially in unexpected or emergency situations.

Examples of manual distractions include:

• Eating or drinking while driving
• Adjusting the radio, climate controls, or seat position
• Holding or using a phone
• Grooming, such as applying makeup or shaving
• Reaching for an item in the glove compartment, back seat, or on the floor

When your hands aren’t on the wheel, your control of the vehicle is compromised. Even experienced drivers can’t steer or respond effectively if they’re physically distracted

3. Cognitive Distraction: Mind Off the Task

Cognitive distraction is when a driver’s attention drifts away from the task of driving. Unlike visual or manual distractions, cognitive distractions are mental — the driver’s eyes may be on the road, and their hands may be on the wheel, but their mind is somewhere else.

This type of distraction is often the most overlooked, yet it can be just as dangerous as the others. A driver who is mentally preoccupied cannot fully process what is happening around them, leading to slower reaction times, missed signs, and poor decision-making.

Examples of cognitive distractions include:

• Daydreaming or zoning out
• Having an emotional conversation (in person or on the phone)
• Driving under stress, anger, or emotional distress
• Thinking about work problems, family issues, or personal concerns
• Using voice-to-text systems or hands-free devices (which may still distract mentally)

Cognitive distraction can happen without any outward signs, but its impact is real — and often deadly.​

Impulsive driving

Impulsive driving occurs when a driver makes a split second driving decision based on the distractions around them. Distracted drivers, taking their eyes off the road, are unable to see the impulsive decisions of other drivers, leading to crashes.

Examples of Impulsive Driving

Getting off an exit spontanoulsy

• When driving on the highway one can be under personal stress to get food, gas or use the restroom before they miss their chance. This can lead to a last second decision to switch lanes and make the exit to a Sheetz® , QT® or Buckeys®.

GPS Direction

• At any time GPS will change your directions for a faster route. Though this helps a driver save time, it leads to confusion and impulsive driving. A driver may look down at their phone to check their GPS or quickly change their route or driving behavior.

Cell Phone Distractions

• The cell phone has many different ways of distracting drivers and creating impulsive descions. Phone calls, changing music, and social media notifications can change the way a driver makes decisions

Impulsive Driving is common issue in driving and can cause crashes that lead to serious injury

What You Can Be Compensated For

If you were injured in a distracted or impulsive driving accident, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost income or earning capacity
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering
• Permanent disability or disfigurement
• Reduced quality of life
• Loss of companionship or support for your family

Even if you’re unsure who’s responsible or how bad your injuries are, it’s smart to speak with an attorney right away.

Distracted Driving Is Negligence. We Hold Drivers Accountable.

No distraction justifies putting lives at risk. Whether the distraction is visual, manual, or cognitive, a driver who chooses to engage in risky behavior can be held legally responsible for the harm they cause.

At LawyerPower Law Office of Mark Farbman, we are committed to standing up for individuals and families affected by distracted drivers. If you or a loved one has been injured due to someone else’s inattention behind the wheel, our team is ready to fight for the compensation and accountability you deserve.

Call today for a free consultation. Let us help you get the justice you’re entitled to.