According to a recent report, Georgia’s new tough measure against distracted driving is having a positive impact on traffic safety in this state.
For one, since the law was signed earlier this year, it seems that many motorist have got the message that authorities are watching for distracted driving behaviors, like texting and driving, and are willing to seek stiff penalties when they catch drivers in the act.
Before the law took effect, data showed that motorists were driving distracted at the rate of just under 20 percent, meaning that for about 1 out of every 5 minutes traveled, a driver may have been on his or her phone. Shortly after the law took effect, in the late summer, estimates were that Georgia motorists were driving distracted a rate of 15 percent, which is below the national average.
This change has also resulted in fewer deaths from motor vehicle accidents, at least according to a spokesman for the Georgia State Patrol. Through September 2018, the number of deaths on this state’s roads had declined by almost 15 percent.
Indeed, Georgia’s new law aimed at preventing texting and driving and other distracted driving, such as just talking on one’s phone, seems like it has proven to be a positive step in solving a very serious traffic safety problem. However, there is always room for more improvement. Even one death related to distracted driving is one too many.
In any event, Georgia motorists who get hurt by a driver who was texting and driving may have legal options available to him or her. These options would include filing a claim against the responsible driver for negligence and seeking compensation for items like current and future medical bills, lost wages and non-economic losses.