Distracted driving accidents killed 3,092 people in 2010 according to the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). Additionally, it is estimated that 18 percent of auto accidents that year involved distracted drivers.
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 an automobile accident involving a distracted driver in Clayton County you should discuss your case with an auto accident attorney at Shane Smith Law.
According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, one Gwinnett County police officer has written almost 1,000 texting and driving citations for the second consecutive year, more than any other officer in the state.
Gwinnett County Police Officer Jessie Myers usually cites people when they are stopped at traffic lights. According to Georgia statute, using a cell phone while driving for anything other than making or receiving a phone call is illegal. This includes checking messages while sitting at a red light.
Many drivers claim that they were unaware that accessing any Internet or web-based data, including navigation, is illegal. This includes a cell phone's GPS functionality. The officer explained that the only permitted GPS is on a navigation-only device. Using a map function on a cell phone is prohibited.
Since phone calls are permitted, the officer counts keystrokes if he cannot see the screen. If the user makes more than 10 keystrokes then he is not dialing a number and he is often cited. The officer asks the driver to show him their cell phone if they contest the citation. Often, the cell phone is still showing the website or text conversation that was being used when the driver was stopped.
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.