The Danger of Distracted Driving in Georgia

By Grant Law Office on August 3, 2015

People are dying at an alarming rate along Georgia roadways this year. According to the Georgia Department of Transportation, almost 700 people have been killed in the first seven months of 2015. That is 14 percent higher than the number of traffic deaths we had during the same period in 2014. We could hit 1,300 driving deaths statewide by the end of the year. Local CBS 46 speculates that this increase is related to the number of distracted drivers on the road.

Distracted driving is a serious problem nationwide as well. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 3,154 people were killed in distraction-related crashes in the year 2013. Additionally, about 424,000 people were injured in distracted driving accidents. That is an increase from the 421,000 people injured in distracted driving accidents the year before.

A significant number of distracted driving accidents are cell phone-related. Drivers who are checking their email, sending a text or making a call are putting everyone on the roadway at risk. This is why there is a text-messaging ban for all drivers in Georgia.

Of course, cell phones are not the only form of distraction. Drivers also put others in harm’s way when they are reading, putting on makeup, checking the radio, turning to talk to a passenger, eating, grooming or looking at a navigation system. Drivers are distracted any time they take their hands are off the wheel or their eyes off the roadway.

Distracted driving is a form of driver negligence, and negligent drivers can be held accountable for the damages they cause. If a distracted driver has hurt you, it may be in your best interest to better understand your legal options. If you can prove that the driver was on the phone or otherwise distracted, you may be able to receive support for all of your injuries, damages and losses. An experienced Atlanta distracted driving car accident lawyer can help you with your claim.