Unfortunately, distracted driving accidents happen every day across the country. While smartphones are the most well-known cause of distracted driving, there are other potential causes, as well. From talking and texting to using navigation features, choosing your music, and more, anything that takes your eyes or mind off the road is considered distracted driving.
This is particularly concerning because distracted driving often results in three types of distraction –
- It results in you taking your eyes off the road.
- It results in you taking your hands off the wheel.
- It results in you thinking about something besides driving.
While Georgia isn’t listed as one of the most dangerous states to drive in, there are still serious concerns that should be addressed.
Distracted Driving and Auto Accidents in Georgia
It’s estimated that around 56% of accidents in Georgia in 2019 met the criteria of having at least one driver who was distracted. Of that percentage, over 760K drivers involved in accidents on roads in Georgia were confirmed of being distracted just a few seconds before an accident occurred and around 52% were suspected of distraction.
When it comes to all the drivers involved in an accident in Georgia, distraction was a factor in:
- 54% of accidents involving vehicles with no passengers
- 55% of accidents involving vehicles with passengers
- 68% of accidents involved in single-vehicle accidents
Georgia Laws Related to Distracted Driving
Recently, distracted driving laws have become stronger in the state. Right now, the state prohibits the following:
- Using handheld phones by all drivers. Your phone can’t be touching any part of your body while you are using it.
- Sending, writing, or reading text messages while you are driving.
- Reading or posting to social media while you are driving.
- Viewing or recording videos while you are driving.
- Using cell phones (even on hands-free mode) by a school bus driver.
- General cases of distracted driving.
Also, additional steps are being taken to enact additional laws against distracted driving in the state.
FAQs About Distracted Driving in Georgia
Because there are still a lot of people who have questions about what is and what is not distracted driving in Georgia, find answers to some of the most commonly asked questions here.
Are there exceptions to Georgia’s distracted driving laws?
There are a few exceptions to the distracted driving laws in Georgia. These exceptions include:
- First responders while performing their duties.
- Contractors or employees of utility service providers who are acting in the scope of their job while they are responding to some type of emergency.
- You have the right to use your handheld phone when reporting a traffic accident, crime, or emergency.
- Dashboard cameras are allowed.
- You can use a cell phone for navigational needs like Google Maps.
- You are permitted to use GPS.
- Using music streaming apps if they are preprogrammed and being controlled through your vehicle’s stereo system.
- Using electronic communication systems.
Can you eat while driving in the state of Georgia?
The distracted driving laws in Georgia were the center of National news in 2015 when there was a man who received a ticket for eating a cheeseburger while they were behind the wheel. This left a lot of other drivers wondering if it was illegal to eat while they were driving.
The law in place doesn’t state that it is illegal to eat and drive. However, it does read that a driver needs to use care when driving and should not engage in any type of activity that results in unsafe operation of their vehicle. This leaves the law up to an officer’s interpretation of it. Since eating is viewed as a distraction, it can be viewed as illegal. Because of this, it’s best to wait to eat until you have reached your destination.
Your Rights if You Are Involved in an Accident Involving a Distracted Driver
If you are injured as a result of a distracted driver accident in Georgia, you have rights. At Hines Law, our legal team can help protect your rights and ensure that your best interest is protected. These accidents can cause serious and life-changing injuries and even fatalities. Because of this, it is smart to hire our legal services to help with your claim.
When you reach out to us and schedule a free consultation, you will find that we will work to gather evidence related to your case to ensure that you get the most compensation possible for the injuries and losses that you experienced because of a distracted driver.
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