Csaba Csere, the former editor of Car and Driver magazine, observed that, "…the most important safety factor is a competent driver paying attention to the task behind the wheel. Unfortunately, we're always going to be distracted by certain things, and the key is picking your spots. Don't try to dial your cell phone when you're on an icy road. Don't tune the radio when you're negotiating traffic in a complicated intersection."
Consulting a Clayton County attorney after an auto accident involving a distracted driver enhances a victim's ability to receive a reasonable settlement. If you have been injured in a Clayton County automobile accident involving a distracted driver you should discuss your case with an auto accident attorney at Shane Smith Law.
According to a Network of Employers for Traffic Safety (NETS) study the two most common driving driver distractions are dropping something on the car floor and spilling hot coffee on oneself. Also included in the list of distractions is:
- Changing radio stations
- Adjusting the vehicle's climate controls
- Reading the newspaper
- Applying makeup
- Shaving
- Changing clothes
- Having a heated argument with a passenger
Texting and driving is illegal in Georgia pursuant to the Official Code of Georgia Annotated section 40-6-241. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution recently reported that enforcement of Georgia's texting and driving ban is nearly nonexistent. In over two years since the law went into effect there has been an average of less than 50 convictions per month. In 2011, nearly 4,000 accidents in Georgia were attributed to distracted driving and cell phone use; nearly 1,000 accidents resulted in injury and nine were fatal crashes. Clayton County convicted only 20 people for distracted driving.
Consulting an Auto Accident Attorney in Clayton County
If you or someone you know has been hurt by a distracted driver, meet with a Clayton County auto accident lawyer at Shane Smith Law. We can assist you in every stage of your case including obtaining the available evidence.