Distracted Driver in Belmont Hits, Kills Pedestrian | Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp

People talk about the serious risks of texting and driving, but an awful incident in Belmont, North Carolina (NC) is a real-life example of the consequences of texting and driving.  A woman was trying to text and drive her SUV but wound up losing control and hit a pedestrian named Lavon Ramsey (named in the Virginian Pilot, 2-10-14) who was walking to a neighbor’s house. The distracted driver also hit garbage cans, a fence, mailbox, and telephone poll.  The pedestrian’s injuries were so severe that died as a result of the collision. Our deepest condolences go out to the Ramsey family. Losing someone you love is never easy, but the pain is that much worse when the loss is sudden and completely unexpected. It also has to be infuriating to know that this tragic incident probably could have been avoided, if only the driver exercised caution and didn’t text and drive. The driver now faces charges of second-degree murder, driving while impaired, reckless driving and driving without a license. The driver has a criminal record. In 2005, they were convicted of possession of drug paraphernalia and obtaining property by false pretenses. In 2009, they were convicted of more serious charges: trafficking heroin and other drugs, driving while impaired, and several counts of possession of drugs with intent to sell, according to the Lake Wylie Pilot. 
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