Distracted Drivers Are A Threat On The Road
If you are the victim of a distracted driver, you already know the damage they can cause on the road. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates around 3,000 traffic fatalities are caused by distracted driving each year. At Cromartie Law in Rome, we take these accidents seriously and will aggressively pursue the compensation you deserve.
Understanding The Hands-Free Law
The Georgia state legislature has recognized the threat caused by distracted driving. In 2018, they passed the Hands-Free Georgia Act. The law requires drivers to use hands-free technology to use their cell phones or other electronic devices while driving. The law also bans drivers from watching or recording a video on their device while driving.
The law does have a few exceptions, such as using and looking at a GPS device for mapping and navigating your vehicle, including a GPS app on your phone. You may also use a smart watch and hands-free technology, such as Bluetooth.
Of course, having a law in place does not guarantee drivers will automatically stop using their phones while driving. Hopefully it will reduce the number of auto accidents in the future, but we hardly expect the law to completely eliminate all distracted driving accidents.
Texting Is Not The Only Distraction
Even if drivers follow the hands-free law, they can still become distracted drivers. Here are some other activities shown to distract drivers from paying attention to the road:
- Eating and drinking
- Using a music player, whether on the radio or phone
- Adjusting hair or makeup
- Talking or texting, even with a hands-free device
- Interacting with passengers
- Driving while tired
- Anything that takes your eyes off the road
Unfortunately, the hands-free law does not cover most of these and drivers will still cause accidents because they are distracted.
Speak With An Experienced Attorney
If you have been the victim of a distracted driver, call our Rome office today at 706-622-4853 or send us an email to set up your free consultation with our experienced lawyer.