The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that the State of Georgia may be getting tougher on driving distractions, including texting while behind the wheel of a motor vehicle.
In Atlanta, drivers spend more time in traffic than any U.S. city except Los Angeles or Washington, D.C. According to David Strayer, a psychology professor, driver distractions cause thousands of deaths every year from motor vehicle collisions.
Strayer states that the laws need to catch up to the trend of negligence caused by driving distractions.
An effort is now being made in Georgia to do so.
Legislation may come up on the last day of this year’s General Assembly to address some driving distractions. Senate Bill 360 intends to ban texting while driving as well as possibly Internet surfing and e-mail while driving. Another initiative, House Bill 23, is directed only at drivers under 18 with provisional licenses.
Also on Friday, Oprah Winfrey is declaring “No Phone Zone Day,” to raise awareness about distracted driving. This will include a video link to Georgia Tech. The video will reference a study that shows 35 percent of metro Atlanta drivers admit they talk on a cell phone while operating a car or truck every day.
Car accident lawyers like Pope and Howard, P.C. know the importance of legislation aimed at reducing negligence while driving. In addition to passing new laws, drivers must be aware that their conduct can result in serious harm to others. Public awareness campaigns and legislation aimed at reducing negligence by motor vehicle operators are important steps towards reducing serious injuries and deaths on Georgia highways.
If you or a loved one has been harmed in any sort of vehicular accident, don’t wait to get legal representation. Contact one of our expert attorneys at Pope & Howard P.C. at 404-885-9999 or via e-mail.