Starting July 1^st, Georgia drivers will have to think twice before using cell phones while driving, thanks to two new bills signed into law by Governor Sonny Perdue on Friday, June 4th.

The new law will affect drivers differently, depending on their age. It’s important that we all fully understand the two new bills and rid any possible confusion.

Who will this bill affect?

• This bill will impact all drivers in Georgia.
  • Teens: The new law bans all forms of cell-phone use while operating a motor vehicle. Drivers under the age of 18 will no longer be able to speak or text on the phone while driving.
  • Adults:  The new law bans texting on a cell-phone while operating a motor vehicle

 What is texting?

According to Ariel Hart’s A Guide to Navigate Texting, Cell Phone Bans, texting includes viewing, typing or sending messages on your cell-phone.

 What’s at risk?

Besides risking the safety of those around you, violating the law will get you a $150 fine and a point recorded onto your license.

 Are there any exceptions to the law?

• The law allows the use of cell phones for all drivers in the following situations: reporting crimes, accidents and emergencies that endanger other’s health or safety.
• Cell-phone use can occur while the car is lawfully parked. However,  the term “parked,” as defined by the Georgia State Patrol, does not include sitting at a red light or waiting to make a turn
• The use of CB radios and navigational devices are also an exception to the law.
• The law also only applies to ‘public’ roads, which means the law does not apply to privately owned roads or parking lots.

While the law may anger many Georgia teens and adults, but ultimately, it can also reduce the large number of injuries and fatalities caused by distracted driving.

According to Mobiledia.com, 80% of accidents and 65% of near-crashes involve driver distraction within three seconds of the event. It was also reported by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute that wireless devices are the number one source of driver inattention. In other words, using a cell-phone, while operating a motor vehicle, increases the risk of car accidents.

Again, while the passing of this law may be a bit of an annoyance, its sole purpose is to ultimately protect your life while behind the wheel.

 To learn more about the Texting/Cell Phone Use ban, visit Safe America’s Exit 2 Text It

adults · driving · safety · teens · texting · ticket