Founder of Wade Law and expert trial attorney with experience in the courts and in the classroom, lecturing in several courses. Admitted to all of Georgia’s courts and the United States Supreme Court
Just a few seconds of distracted driving can lead to a car accident bound to change someone’s life forever. If you’re worried about the consequences of distracted driving or you’ve already been in such a crash, talking to an experienced Atlanta accident lawyer will reveal important information. You’ll learn more about the legal framework, consequences, and the potential compensation you’ll be entitled to as a victim in such a crash.
Distracted Driving Statistics
Unfortunately, distracted driving is still fairly common on U.S. roads. In 2022, it claimed 3,308 lives, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports. This number represents approximately eight percent of all crashes having a lethal outcome.
Georgia ranks among the states having the most distracted drivers. In 2023, the United Services Automobile Association released statistics suggesting that Georgia’s distraction rate ranks it sixth. The states exhibiting the highest rate of distracted driving accidents include Mississippi (17.8 percent of crashes), Louisiana (16.8 percent), South Carolina (16.5 percent), Alabama (16.2 percent), North Carolina (15.8 percent), and Georgia (15.5 percent).
The Realities of Distracted Driving in Atlanta
Driving distractions come in all shapes and sizes. Some of the most common ones include:
- Using the phone while driving (to talk or text)
- Eating and drinking
- Engaging with other passengers
- Moving things inside the car
- Doing personal grooming (like putting on makeup)
- Daydreaming
In Atlanta, distracted driving is still a common phenomenon. Atlanta ranks as the 16th city in the U.S. having the worst drivers in a recent Forbes study. The ranking is based on factors like total number of car accident fatalities, drunk driving accidents, distracted driving fatalities, speeding events, and others (measured over a period of five years).
The car crash fatality rate in Atlanta is 15.43 people per 100,000 city residents. Of those, 3.77 fatalities are attributed to drunk driving, 0.28 fatalities – to distracted driving, and 3.33 fatalities – to speeding.
These numbers are a part of a troublesome statistical trend – an increase in the number of fatal car crashes. The phenomenon has been observed throughout the U.S. for the past few years, regardless of measures aimed at reducing the number of collisions and crash victims.
Distracted Driving Laws in Georgia
To reduce the likelihood of distracted driving, Georgia has introduced a number of regulatory measures making various activities illegal.
According to the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, holding a phone in one’s hand while driving is not permissible. Even when hands-free devices are employed, drivers cannot text, read content on a screen, or access any kind of internet data.
This so-called hands-free law was enforced in 2018 in an attempt to counter the growing number of car accidents having a fatal outcome. The ban extends to using a phone while waiting at a traffic light or being stuck in traffic without moving.
Anyone who breaks the distracted driving law will have to face the repercussions. A first time conviction will lead to a fine of 50 dollars and a penalty of one point assessed against a driver’s license. A second violation will lead to a fine of 100 dollars and two points, while a third violation will lead to a fine of 150 dollars and a penalty of three points.
The only exception from the law is looking at a screen to explore a navigation map. Music streaming apps can also be used legally, as long as they produce solely audio and no video content.
Contact an Atlanta Car Crash Lawyer Immediately
If you are ever in a distracted driving accident, you’ll need to get in touch with an Atlanta auto accident attorney immediately. Your attorney will handle all interactions with an insurance company on your behalf, helping you acquire the most compensation for your pain and suffering.
Do you have pressing questions about distracted driving in Georgia? Call us at 770-282-1188 to schedule a consultation now.
