Technology and virtual connectivity are soaring. With these advancements come rapid changes and growth, as well as continually shifting safety concerns and challenges. How technology impacts roadway safety is a primary concern for drivers in Georgia. Around 54% of car crashes in Georgia in 2021 involved at least one distracted driver.
Georgia’s Hands-Free Law was a major development in driving safety, but what does this legislation mean for motorists in the state?
What Does the Hands-Free Law Say?
This law outlines numerous points that are intended to increase traffic safety and driver attentiveness, thus decreasing accidents, injuries, and deaths on Georgia’s roads. It doesn’t prohibit talking on the phone, but it does make touching a phone while driving illegal. Hands-free technology can be used for phone calls, but drivers are prohibited from doing the following even if they utilize the hands-free feature:
- Compose emails or texts
- Send emails or texts
- Read texts, emails, or other data
- Access social media content
- Use or access any data
Drivers can, however, use their phone’s voice-to-text feature.
Written communication is not the only feature of phones and devices that the law discusses. Drivers are also not allowed to watch videos, except for those intended for navigation, like on a GPS device. Continuously running dashboard cameras are okay, but otherwise, motorists cannot record video while driving.
Music Streaming and Georgia’s Hands-Free Law
This legislation also affects music streaming. With so many people using apps like Spotify, YouTube, and SiriusXM to listen to music, it was important to include streaming in the Hands-Free Law. This is what it says about streaming music while driving:
- Drivers can listen to music without videos using streaming services
- Drivers cannot touch their phones to operate or activate a streaming program while driving
- The music can be played and controlled by the car’s sound system
Tips on Driving in Atlanta
Distracted driving is especially dangerous in busy areas like Atlanta, which is why cell phone and device use should be avoided. Texting and driving is one of the most dangerous distractions, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that distracted driving killed over 3,300 people in the United States in 2022. Staying safe on the streets should be every driver’s priority, so here are some tips to help you navigate the hectic roadways of Atlanta:
- Plan ahead to avoid the busiest times, which are between 7:30 am to 9:30 am and again from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm.
- Stay alert for construction areas, merging points, and highway interchanges.
- Consider taking a less congested route, like the Atlanta BeltLine or an alternate interstate
Atlanta Auto Accident Lawyer
If someone else’s distracted driving caused an accident that injured you, it may be time to contact a car accident lawyer. Flanagan Law is committed to ensuring our clients have the best possible outcomes in their cases, and we strive for that through our tireless dedication and passionate advocacy.
If you would like to discuss your case or speak with an attorney to decide if our firm is the right fit for you, contact us to schedule a free consultation.