Most people know the dangers of texting while driving. However, many don’t realize that distracted driving encompasses much more than just reading and sending messages while behind the wheel.
Several behaviors take your focus off the road. Awareness of them can help you develop strategies to stay safe while driving.
Does Georgia’s hands-free law work?
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2021, approximately 3,142 people were killed due to accidents involving distracted drivers. Georgia implemented a “hands-free” law that states that a driver can’t have a cell phone in their hand or supported by any part of their body while driving.
Still, over 52,000 Georgia residents violated that law in 2021. But cell phone use isn’t the only source of driver distraction. Other types include:
- Eating and drinking
- Adjusting the controls on the radio or temperature settings
- Conversing with passengers, especially if it becomes emotionally charged
- Applying make-up, shaving or checking your appearance in the mirror
- Daydreaming
If a car travels at 55 MPH, it can go approximately 100 yards in just five seconds. Removing your eyes from the road for a fraction of that time can have deadly consequences.
To stay safe on Georgia’s roads, it is imperative to eliminate as many distractions as possible, such as:
- Putting away your phone while driving
- Setting your GPS location before you start moving
- Pulling over to eat and drink
- Keeping conversations with passengers to a minimum
It’s also important to recognize the signs that another driver may be distracted. They may drift out of their lane or fail to maintain a constant speed. If you believe another driver may be a danger to others on the road, pull over to a safe location and call 911.
If you have been injured in a car accident because of someone who was distracted driving, you may be able to receive compensation for your injuries to help with medical expenses and lost wages.
