Several studies have shown that distracted drivers are more likely to cause accidents, causing injuries to themselves and others. One of the most common forms of distracted driving is the use of cell phones. Using a cell phone while driving can be a considered a visual, manual and cognitive distraction, as it may cause you to look away from the road, take your hands off the wheel and lose focus on the road.
Can drivers use their phones while driving?
Under the Hands-Free law implemented by the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, phone calls must be hands-free. In other words, drivers who are driving cannot be holding the phone or have it touching any part of their body while speaking on the phone.
However, drivers nowadays use their phones for so much more than just making calls. Many drivers use their phones to:
- Send text messages
- Post on social media
- Surf the web
- Record and watch videos
According to Georgia’s Hands-Free law, these activities and others that involve the use of Internet data are prohibited while driving, even with hands-free technology. Listening to streaming music is allowed, but only if the driver does not touch the phone to activate the streaming app or control the music.
What should I do if I am injured in a distracted driving accident?
Distracted driving is a form of driver negligence. If you suffered injuries in a car accident caused by a distracted driver, you may file a negligence claim against them to recover compensation for your accident-related injuries and damages. A police report, witness testimony and expert testimony can help prove that the distracted driving caused your accident.
A personal injury attorney can help walk you through the legal process and potentially get you justice if you have been wronged.