Texting while driving is a highly dangerous distraction. It typically involves a motorist using a mobile phone to read, write, or send messages, but can also include reading emails or looking at posts on social media. Using a phone in this way distracts the driver’s attention from watching the road ahead for several seconds at a time, compromising their ability to react to hazards.
The consequences for anyone on the road encountering a motorist who is texting while traveling at highway speeds could be catastrophic. If a distracted driver causes a collision that injures you, contact us to speak to a knowledgeable attorney about texting while driving car accidents in Valdosta.
Why Is Texting While Driving So Dangerous?
Texting while driving is among the most dangerous types of driver distraction because it requires taking your eyes and mind off the road and your hands off the wheel. It drastically reduces a driver’s ability to perceive and react to potential hazards while maintaining control of the vehicle.
Unlike a simple task, such as adjusting climate controls or the radio, mobile phone use often involves three types of distraction: visual, cognitive, and manual. Reading text messages requires a driver to remove their eyes from the roadway, understanding and composing messages distracts a driver’s mind from what is happening ahead, and touching the phone requires taking at least one hand off the steering wheel.
If someone is texting while driving, the cognitive distraction alone is equivalent to driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. An experienced Valdosta attorney could answer your questions about car crashes caused by texting while driving.
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Ban on Texting
The state has two primary laws addressing texting and driving. Under Georgia’s Hands-Free Law, it is unlawful to drive a car while manually typing or entering multiple letters, numbers, or symbols into a wireless communication device. This includes text messages, emails, instant messaging, and any other form of text-based communication.
Handheld Ban in Restricted Zones
There is also an additional ban on handheld devices in specific designated areas, such as school zones, crossings, and active work zones where construction workers are present. The ban also prohibits all drivers from using any handheld communication device while traveling within these zones. A Valdosta lawyer from our firm could guide you through the process of recovering damages you sustain in a car accident caused by another motorist texting while driving.
Exceptions
Georgia’s hands-free law does allow for some exceptions. Law enforcement, first responders, and the fire department are exempt when traveling in authorized emergency vehicles. Motorists reporting emergencies are also exempt, such as medical, fire, and other hazards. There is also an exception for drivers using hands-free, voice operated devices, which do not require manual input, except when traveling in restricted zones.
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Contact a Valdosta Attorney About Car Crashes Caused by Texting While Driving
Texting while driving is irresponsible and potentially deadly, and it causes a significant number of fatal car wrecks nationwide. If a careless driver was texting behind the wheel and caused an avoidable crash, you could hold them legally and financially accountable for your losses.
Lawmakers have created statutes to prohibit texting while driving, raising awareness about the dangers of motorists using mobile phones and improving safety on roads and highways. Contact us to schedule a consultation to learn more about texting while driving car accidents in Valdosta.
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