The Rising Danger of Distracted Driving in Georgia: Legal Consequences for Drivers
Distracted driving has quickly become one of the most dangerous behaviors on Georgia roads. With smartphones in every pocket and navigation apps running nonstop, the temptation to glance away from the road—even for a second—is ever-present. Unfortunately, that brief distraction can lead to devastating consequences, both on the road and in the courtroom. At The Spizman Firm, our Atlanta Personal Injury Attorneys are here for you.
What Is Distracted Driving?
Distracted driving is any activity that diverts attention from driving. This includes texting, talking on the phone, eating or drinking, adjusting the GPS, changing the radio, or even talking to passengers. The most dangerous form of distraction is texting, as it combines visual, manual, and cognitive distraction all at once.
To combat this growing problem, Georgia passed the Hands-Free Georgia Act in 2018, which prohibits drivers from:
- Holding or supporting a phone with any part of the body
- Sending, reading, or writing texts
- Watching or recording videos
- Using phones for internet browsing or social media
Alarming Trends on Georgia Roads
Despite the law, distracted driving remains a leading cause of serious accidents in Georgia. According to the Georgia Department of Transportation, distracted driving contributes to thousands of crashes and fatalities each year. Urban areas like Atlanta and suburban corridors through Fulton, Gwinnett, and Cobb Counties see some of the highest rates of distracted driving incidents.
Legal Consequences for Distracted Driving
In Georgia, distracted driving is not just a safety issue—it’s a legal one. Violators of the Hands-Free Georgia Act face the following penalties:
- First offense: $50 fine and 1 point on your license
- Second offense: $100 fine and 2 points
- Third offense and beyond: $150 fine and 3 points
While these penalties might seem minor, they can quickly escalate if the distracted driving leads to an accident, injury, or death. In such cases, the driver may face misdemeanor charges, civil liability, or even vehicular homicide charges if someone dies as a result.
Convictions for distracted driving-related offenses can also result in:
- Increased auto insurance premiums
- A permanent criminal record
- Driver’s license suspension
- Jail time for serious incidents
Building a Defense Against Distracted Driving Charges
If you’ve been charged with distracted driving in Georgia—especially following an accident—it’s critical to understand your legal rights. The prosecution must prove that you violated the law, often relying on police observations, surveillance footage, or phone records. We thoroughly investigate the facts and identify weaknesses in the case to build the strongest possible defense on your behalf.
Don’t Let a Distraction Derail Your Future
Distracted driving can happen in a split second—but the legal consequences can last much longer. If you’re facing a citation or criminal charge related to distracted driving, don’t go it alone. An experienced attorney can help minimize the penalties or even have the charges reduced or dismissed.
The Spizman Firm proudly serves clients across Georgia, including Atlanta, Dunwoody, Alpharetta, Cobb County, Fulton County, Gwinnett County, Johns Creek, and Sandy Springs. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help protect your future.
Source:
gahighwaysafety.org/hands-free-law/
