30 January

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Riskier ways of using phones raise driver distraction levels

Distracted driving is a widespread issue in North Carolina, and phone use is one of the largest factors. However, some ways of using a handheld phone are riskier than others. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety just released a study comparing observational survey data from 2014 and 2018. It found that while distracted driving rates have not drastically changed, the level of distraction is getting worse. The observational surveys focused on drivers in four Northern Virginia communities as they approached or stopped at red lights. Drivers were 57 percent more likely to use their phones for activities besides talking such...

15 January

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Most cases tried in America involve misdemeanors

Posted by Chris Proffitt

in criminal defense

According to data from the FBI, cases involving misdemeanor charges account for 80 percent of criminal dockets in America. There are about 13 million misdemeanor cases annually in North Carolina and throughout the country. Such a large caseload may result in individuals not getting the outcomes that they may deserve. This is because public defenders may lack the time and other resources to give a defendant the zealous defense to which he or she is entitled. There tends to be a racial element at play when it comes to how cases are resolved. White Americans charged with a misdemeanor are 75...

03 January

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Some truck drivers dangerously fighting fatigue with stimulants

Posted by Chris Proffitt

in personal injury

Because of the massive weight of trucks, victims of accidents involving these vehicles in North Carolina are often drivers of smaller vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists or other individuals who may be in the path of a collision. An increasing number of drivers are on long hauls at all hours of the day and night. This in and of itself presents possible hazard risks. An added danger is driver fatigue related to efforts to meet tight deadlines and delivery obligations. According to available statistics, it’s long-haul trips of 51 miles or more that account for the bulk of trucking accidents. The risk of...

21 December

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Several North Carolina residents sentenced in heroin ring

Posted by Chris Proffitt

in drug trafficking

On December 17, several North Carolina residents were sentenced for their participation in a heroin and marijuana ring operating out of Craven County. The defendants were arrested following a multi-year investigation by federal, state and local authorities. According to the United States Attorney’s Office, the investigation focused on a drug trafficking ring run by two New Bern men, ages 34 and 36. The men had apparently been ordering large amounts of heroin from New York and having is transported down to North Carolina for several years. The heroin was then distributed for sale to multiple mid- and low-level drug dealers in...

17 December

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How can underage drinking affect your child?

Posted by Chris Proffitt

in criminal defense, DWI/DUI

North Carolina is strict on underage drinking compared to some states. If your child is charged with underage drinking, you may be wondering what could happen and how might it affect your child’s future. You don’t want one mistake to ruin your child’s future. Here are a few facts you should know about underage drinking: The law. No one under 21 years of age can possess, purchase or attempt to purchase alcohol. Violations are a class 1 misdemeanor. The Department of Motor Vehicles can revoke someone’s driver’s license, if convicted. Prosecutors may increase possession charges to a class 3 misdemeanor...

05 December

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Reducing winter driving risks in North Carolina

Posted by Chris Proffitt

in car accidents

Blizzard-like and icy conditions sometimes take North Carolina drivers by surprise during the late fall and winter months. But new safety technologies, such as traction control capabilities, that are used properly, and some commonsense precautions may reduce driving and accident risks in inclement weather. This is why the National Safety Council is making an effort to educate drivers by stressing the importance of being as prepared as possible when getting behind the wheel in winter. Checking the forecast before driving and properly warming up vehicles are some of the steps the NSC recommends. The most effective way to avoid car accidents...

28 November

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What the First Step Act tries to accomplish

Posted by Chris Proffitt

in criminal defense

The First Step Act is intended to be a method in which the criminal justice system becomes more equitable. It was created through a joint effort from President Trump and the American Civil Liberties Union. However, it is unclear how it will ultimately help those with cases in North Carolina and other states. It is also unclear what its final form will be or if it passes over the objections of those in Congress. One of its goals is to make it easier for judges to use a safety valve mechanism to get around mandatory minimum sentences. It would allow those...

07 November

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Tips for safe driving in the bright sunlight

Posted by Chris Proffitt

in car accidents

Most drivers in North Carolina understand that heading out in the early morning or late afternoon means driving in bright sunlight. If possible, commuters could try waiting until the sun completely rises or sets below the horizon. In any case, it is important to keep safe during these conditions since bright sunlight can create visual illusions. Drivers raise their fatal accident risk by 16 percent when in bright sunlight. Fortunately, there are ways to mitigate the hazards. Wearing sunglasses is an essential first step as these can reduce the brightness and protect the eyes from harmful UV rays. Drivers should...

23 October

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Teens driving teens have higher fatality risk

Posted by Chris Proffitt

in personal injury

Many North Carolina drivers are wary of cars full of teens. They may believe that these drivers are more likely to be careless or distracted. While some of these ideas are based on stereotypes about teen drivers, they may also be backed up by reality. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety released a study for National Teen Driver Safety Week showing that when teen drivers have only teen passengers in their vehicles, the fatality rate for everyone involved in a car accident can rise by 51 percent. The risk can often be the greatest for people in other cars involved in...

18 October

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Where to keep your car to protect it from hurricane damage

Posted by Chris Proffitt

in Car Insurance

Last month, North Carolina residents suffered through Hurricane Florence together. Towns lost their structures, people lost their lives and the state lost billions in property damage. If you were fortunate enough to receive little to no damage from the storm, do not count yourself lucky yet. We still have one month to go before the 2018 hurricane season ends, so we could still get hit with more heavy winds and rainstorms. If your town experiences heavy downpour, car companies generally recommend that you avoid going through deep water to avoid your vehicle breaking down or drowning. Instead, you should think about...

Author: Chris Proffitt