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Commissioner Causey to drive home safety message at Tuesday event in Charlotte

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Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey will be speaking at a news conference in Charlotte on April 14 to raise awareness about the dangers of distracted driving. This event is part of Distracted Driving Awareness Month, which highlights the serious risks associated with activities like using a cell phone while driving. In 2024, distracted driving was linked to over 3,200 deaths, and experts believe the actual number is even higher. Agents should be aware that distracted driving is a major factor in rising auto insurance rates and should educate their clients about safe driving practices.

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RALEIGH Apr 10, 2026 Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey will join other traffic safety advocates to highlight the dangers of distracted driving at a news conference at Pearl Street Park in Charlotte on Tuesday, April 14, at 1:30 p.m. April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration distracted driving was blamed for 3,208 deaths in 2024, the latest national statistics available. Many experts believe those numbers are vastly underreported. While eating and adjusting the radio are forms of distraction, crash investigators warn that cell phone use raises the risk exponentially. Distracted driving is also one of the main reasons auto insurance rates rise, along with speeding, impaired driving and a lack of seatbelt use. Tuesday’s speakers include: Mike Causey, N.C. Insurance Commissioner Tasha Hairston Springs, distracted driving crash survivor Tiffany Wright, AAA-The Auto Club Group and N.C. Alliance for Safe Transportation Chair Sydney Martin, teen driving ambassador Trooper R.A. Rogers, N.C. Highway Patrol Tuesday, April 14 at 1:30 p.m. – Distracted Driving Awareness News Conference Pearl Street Park, 602 Kenilworth Ave., Charlotte, N.C. 28202 Limited parking is available on site and at Canopy Real Estate Institute parking garage at 1120 Pearl Park Way. Area media is invited to this event and may RSVP at press@ncdoi.gov . Related Topics: NCDOI NC Department of Insurance Press Release Distracted Driving