Distracted driving poses a threat to all drivers on Georgia’s roads, causing thousands of car wrecks every year. Drivers today face more distractions than ever—phones, navigation systems, eating on the go, and even conversations with passengers—but when your attention leaves the road for even a moment, the consequences can devastate the victims.
What Exactly Is Distracted Driving, and Why Is It So Dangerous?
Distracted driving means doing anything behind the wheel that pulls your eyes, hands, or mind away from driving. Texting is the classic example: It distracts your vision, makes you let go of the wheel, and pulls your focus away from the road.
But texting is not the only risky habit. Changing your playlist, reaching for a drink, or handing something to a child in the backseat can all turn into dangerous distractions.
To put things into context: Taking your eyes off the road for five seconds at highway speed is like driving blind for the length of a football field.
How Common Are Wrecks Caused by Distracted Driving?
Sadly, distracted driving causes the highest number of car wrecks both across the country and in Georgia, and more than half of the wrecks in Georgia involve some form of distraction. Young drivers, especially those under 25, are especially at risk: Not only are they most likely to use their phones behind the wheel, but they are also more likely to get into wrecks because of it.
What Counts as a Distraction Behind the Wheel?
While cell phone use gets a lot of attention, distracted driving covers the following behaviors as well:
- Using a GPS or navigation system
- Eating or drinking
- Adjusting the radio or climate controls
- Talking with passengers, especially children or pets
- Personal grooming, like applying makeup
Even hands-free technology, like Bluetooth or voice commands, can take your mind off driving.
What Are the Real-Life Consequences of Distracted Driving Wrecks?
The fallout from a distracted driving wreck can be severe, often resulting in broken bones, whiplash, head trauma, and even fatal outcomes. Victims may also deal with lost wages, high medical bills, and emotional pain that lingers long after the wreck.
Are Distracted Driving Laws Making a Difference?
Georgia’s Hands-Free Law prevents drivers from holding or using their phones for texting, social media, or videos while their vehicle is moving. Penalties start at $50 for the first offense and go up from there, along with points on the driver’s license. While these laws help, enforcement has proven challenging, since distracted acts like texting can be hard to spot.
Get Legal Help From the Savannah Car Wreck Lawyers at Childers & McCain, LLC
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a car wreck caused by a distracted driver, turn to the Savannah car wreck lawyers at Childers & McCain, LLC. For a free consultation, call us today at 478-254-2007 or submit our online contact form. Located in Macon, Georgia, we gladly serve clients in Savannah, Albany, Atlanta, Bibb County, Chatham County, Columbus, Crawford County, Oglethorpe, and Peach County.