Georgia Car Accident Attorney I Discuss the Media’s Efforts to Reduce Distracted Driving
Since distracted driving is so prevalent in Georgia and across America, virtually all State Highway Safety Offices have taken the initiative to educate the public and let them know about the zero tolerance laws and the tragic effects of distracted driving.
The State of Georgia has its Operation Zero Tolerance Radio Ad that warns Georgia drivers to not drive drunk and not text on the cellphone. It kindly, but firmly, reminds drivers to keep their eyes and mind on the road and not to be distracted by their cellphone when driving on Georgia roads. Public safety campaigns are in full force because there are some startling statistics that remind us all of the dangers of distracted driving. Here are some selected statistics that face drivers on a daily basis:
- During 2009, nearly 5,500 people were killed in auto accidents due to distracted drivers. Nearly 450,000 people suffered injuries due to drivers distracted from cellphones and other factors that contributed to distracted driving.
- Cellphones specifically contributed to nearly 1,000 fatal injuries and 24,000 injuries.
- Comparing 2009 to 2005, the total number of distracted drivers on the road rose to 11 percent of all operators on the road. This is more than double from the 5 percent report rate in 2005.
- 1 in 4 drivers are known to be distracted by their cellphone in or more ways (talking, texting, dialing, etc.).
- Statistics also show that 75% of all less experienced drivers (18 to 29 year olds) admit to being distracted while talking on their cellphone at least once a month. 40% of all of this age group admit to being distracted on a regular basis when they use their cellphone while driving.
Texting is the main form of distraction. Since it is against the law in Georgia to text while driving, the statistics associated with it are even more frightening. Here are some statistics to think about before hitting the roads:
- Nearly 1 out of 10 drivers (9%) admit to composing and sending texts or e-mail messages while driving.
- More than half of the less experienced driving age group (18-29 year olds) admitted to texting or e-mailing at least once a month and more than one-quarter of all surveyed admitted to doing this multiple times a month.
Distracted driving is a serious issue in Georgia and all across America. Even though there are public awareness campaigns, laws prohibiting texting while driving and law enforcement officials enforcing the law, people still drive distracted and innocent people become victims of related auto accidents. If you have been injured or have a family member that has been killed, you need to know your legal rights from a Georgia car accident attorney. When you call Shane Smith Law at (980) 246-2656, you will be able to speak with a Sugar Hill car accident attorney who will go over your auto accident circumstances and see what options you have. Don’t wait too long because if you don’t schedule your free legal consultation, you may lose all of your legal rights under Georgia law.