Georgia Texting and Driving Laws
Posted in Firm News
In 2015, there were 38,300 traffic related deaths in the United States. Of those deaths, a staggering 3,500, or nearly 1 in 10, resulted from distracted driving. Cruz & Associates has more than 25 years of experience in personal injury litigation. Every client we serve is unique, and every case is an opportunity for us to give back. Our attorneys will work tirelessly to guide you and your family through every step of the legal process, with the unifying goal to bring resolution to your case in an equitable and timely manner.
Distracted Driving Laws: Nationwide
Laws vary from state to state when it comes to distracted driving. Here are some of the most important legislature regarding these laws across the country:
Texting: Laws prohibiting texting on cellular phones now exist in 48 states; Arizona and Montana are the only two states without current legislation.
Handheld Phones: Only 15 states have an outright ban the use of handheld cell phones.
Novice Drivers: The law prohibits the use of handheld devices by young drivers (under the age of 18) is in 38 states.
Distracted Driving Laws In Georgia
Georgia legislature passed a law prohibiting texting and driving in 2010. A fine for such offense is $150, and results in a 1-point addition to the violator’s diving record. Those are fairly light penalties compared to Utah’s laws that went into effect in 2009. A fine in Utah for texting while driving is $750 and punishable by up to 3 months in jail. If injury to another person results from the violation, that crime is punishable by up to $10,000 in fines, and potentially 15 years in prison.
If you see someone texting and driving, get out of the way if you can. Let that car pass, turn down a side street and avoid the risk, if at all possible. Then, call the police. On a case-by-case basis, if you truly believe the public or yourself is in harm’s way, never hesitate to notify law enforcement.
Tech Companies Working to Cut Down on Distracted Driving
In the summer of 2017, Apple rolled out the new iOS11 platform for all of their iPhone models, which features a much welcomed, Do Not Disturb While Driving mode. The default app uses the GPS function in a user’s phone, and automatically kicks on as the rate of travel increases, disabling all notifications, phone, text, email, apps, while the user is in the car. Passengers, whether in that same car or on bus or train, can easily disable to the application.
Have you been in an accident where the driver at fault was texting and driving?
The team at Cruz & Associates can work to evaluate your case and explore all legal options available. Pursuing legal action can be a difficult and stressful experience. Throughout this process, experienced Atlanta personal injury attorneys who maintain your best interests as the ultimate priority will prove invaluable.
We will work around your schedule to determine an ideal meeting time, and review the key information pertaining to your case. Our attorneys are experienced in all areas of personal injury law. Reach out to Cruz & Associates for a cost-free case evaluation.