Georgia to consider banning hand-held cellphones while driving

February 28, 2013

Georgia to consider banning hand-held cellphones while driving

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According to recent reports from the legislature, Georgia is considering toughening its distracted driving laws. Rep. Rahn Mayo has introduced legislation that would ban drivers from using hand-held cellphones. Although the proposed legislation would ban people from using hand-held cellphones, it would allow hands-free devices.

Rep. Mayo has previously tried in the past two years to gather support for a similar bill, but was unable to get enough votes to send the bill to the Georgia Senate. According to Mayo, the reason for the bill is to save lives by reducing another form of distracted driving.

Although the proposal is controversial, studies back up Mayo's reasoning. According to a study conducted by Monash University, drivers who use hand-held devices are four times more likely to be involved in a car accident that is serious enough to cause injury. In a separate study by Carnegie Mellon, cellphone use while behind the wheel reduces the amount of attention that the brain can devote to driving by over a third.

Although the bill would penalize those who drive while using a hand-held device with a fine of $150, it would allow using a hand-held cellphone in the following instances:
-To report a traffic accident, medical emergency, road hazard or other emergency to the proper authorities
-To report a crime to law enforcement
-Hand-held use among law enforcement officers, firefighters, ambulance drivers or first-responders while in performance of their official duties
-Hand-held use while the motor vehicle is parked legally

Rep. Mayo concedes that, even if the bill were passed, police would not be able to stop all offenders. However, he hopes that the threat of a negative mark on their driving records will deter drivers from using hand-held devices while driving.

Georgia law and cellphones

The proposed bill would significantly strengthen the current laws in place addressing distracted driving. Currently, Georgia law prohibits all cellphone use among school bus drivers and novice drivers who are under 18 years old. Violators are subject to a fine of $150.

Additionally, it is illegal for all drivers to send, write or read a text message. Violators face a fine of $150. However, if the violator causes an accident while texting, the fine doubles. Since this law went into effect in 2010, 1,916 drivers have been convicted of texting while driving.

In addition to fines, victims who are injured by a distracted driver have the right to file a lawsuit against the driver to recover expenses that were incurred because of the accident such as medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering. If you or a loved one have been injured by an inattentive driver, contact an experienced personal injury attorney to ensure your right to compensation is protected.