In 2023, Georgia recorded over 385,000 traffic crashes and distracted driving was a top contributor. But here’s the thing: it’s not just about texting. Eating, adjusting your GPS, chatting with passengers, these are distractions too. And they’re just as dangerous.
We tend to picture a phone screen when we think about a distracted driving accident. But modern vehicles are filled with tech, sounds, and controls that pull your eyes off the road. It only takes three seconds of inattention to cause a crash, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Distractions are layered. Some are visual. Others are mental. Some you choose. Others sneak up on you. That’s why the risks go beyond the obvious.
What Counts as Distracted Driving?
Distracted driving means doing anything that takes your attention away from driving. It’s broken down into three categories:
- Visual: Taking your eyes off the road
- Manual: Taking your hands off the wheel
- Cognitive: Taking your mind off driving
Most people think of texting while driving, which checks all three boxes. But distracted driving goes far beyond that.
Types of Distractions
Let’s break these distractions down further.
- Phone use (calls, texts, social media)
- Eating and drinking
- Adjusting GPS, climate, or infotainment settings
- Talking to passengers or dealing with kids or pets
- Reaching for dropped items
- Daydreaming or emotional distress
- Fixing your hair, makeup, or clothing
Even glancing at a smartwatch counts as a visual and cognitive distraction. Any split-second lapse matters.
Distractions You Might Not Realize Are Dangerous
1. Eating and Drinking
Grabbing fast food on the go may feel harmless. But unwrapping a sandwich or sipping coffee means at least one hand is off the wheel. You’re also more likely to look down, spill something, or fumble.
A 2020 NHTSA study found that eating while driving increases crash risk by 80 percent.
2. GPS and Touchscreen Use
Touchscreen dashboards have replaced buttons. That sleek look comes with a cost. Studies show interacting with a GPS or infotainment system can be as distracting as texting.
Research from AAA shows some infotainment systems demand up to 40 seconds of visual attention.
3. Conversations with Passengers
Talking with someone in the car isn’t illegal. But it can still be a cognitive distraction, especially if it gets heated or emotional. Children or pets in the back seat often require attention too, and that split-second glance away can be enough.
4. Personal Grooming
Fixing your hair, applying makeup, or adjusting your tie are major distractions. If you’re running late, don’t try to catch up behind the wheel.
5. Adjusting Controls or Items
Drivers often reach for items like phones, wallets, bags, or chargers without thinking. That brief lean or twist means your eyes and hands are elsewhere.
Local Stats on Distracted Driving
Let’s bring it closer to home.
According to the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT), distracted driving was responsible for over 56,000 crashes in 2022. That’s more than 150 crashes a day. Many happened on clear roads in broad daylight.
The state passed the Hands-Free Georgia Act in 2018 to reduce phone use behind the wheel. But while hand-held device use went down, other distractions have stayed high or even increased.
Atlanta sees some of the highest distracted driving crash rates in Georgia due to congested roads, long commutes, and multi-lane highways.
Impact Statistics
- The NHTSA reports over 3,500 deaths annually in the U.S. due to distracted driving
- Drivers who text are 8 times more likely to crash, according to AAA Foundation
- Distracted driving is now a leading cause of traffic fatalities alongside speeding and impaired driving
- Georgia saw a 20 percent increase in distracted driving citations within the first year of the Hands-Free Law
These numbers show how widespread and dangerous distraction behind the wheel really is.
Why Distracted Driving Accidents Are Legally Complex
In a distracted driving accident, proving negligence isn’t always easy. Unless a driver was caught texting, you may need evidence from:
- Dashcam or traffic camera footage
- Phone records
- Witness statements
- Vehicle event data (infotainment logs, steering input, braking)
- Police reports noting behavior or admissions
Insurance companies often argue that distractions were minor or unrelated. That’s why gathering detailed evidence early is key.
If you suspect the other driver was distracted, mention it to law enforcement at the scene. Be clear and specific. Even a simple statement like “They were reaching into the passenger seat” can go on record.
Legal Penalties for Distracted Driving in Georgia
Georgia’s Hands-Free Law (HB 673) bans holding or supporting a phone with any part of your body while driving.
Penalties include:
- First offense: $50 and 1 point on your license
- Second offense: $100 and 2 points
- Third or more: $150 and 3 points
If distracted driving leads to injury or death, the driver may face misdemeanor or felony charges, depending on the facts.
In civil court, breaking this law can establish negligence. That makes your claim stronger in a personal injury case.
Case Studies about Distracted Driving
Real incidents from Georgia show how quickly distraction behind the wheel can lead to tragedy. These documented cases highlight the legal and personal consequences of reckless or inattentive driving.
Case Study 1: Fatal UGA Crash Involving Distracted Driving
On January 15, 2023, UGA recruiting analyst Chandler LeCroy and player Devin Willock died in a high-speed crash in Athens, Georgia. LeCroy was driving at 104 mph with a blood alcohol level of 0.197 when she lost control.
UGA player Jalen Carter was charged with reckless driving and racing in relation to the crash. The case received national attention as a tragic example of how distraction and reckless behavior can turn deadly.
Case Study 2: Gwinnett County I-85 Teen Fatalities
In September 2023, a Toyota Tacoma allegedly racing at over 100 mph collided with another vehicle on the I-85 onramp in Gwinnett County. That vehicle was forced over a barrier and fell 37 feet, killing five teenagers inside.
The driver of the Tacoma, Emanuel Esfahani, was later charged with five counts of first-degree vehicular homicide. While classified as reckless driving, the incident involved cognitive and behavioral distractions that escalated the risk.
Prevention Tips to Avoid Distracted Driving
The best defense against distracted driving is changing habits.
- Set your GPS and playlist before driving
- Use “Do Not Disturb” mode on your phone
- Eat meals before or after your trip
- Keep conversations light and short
- Pull over if you need to address kids, pets, or adjust settings
- Secure loose items before starting the car
Parents: teens are especially vulnerable. Talk to them about distraction and set phone-free driving rules early.
What To Do After a Distracted Driving Crash
If you’re hit by a distracted driver, your steps after the crash matter:
- Call 911 and get a report
- Seek medical care, even for minor pain
- Document the scene with photos and notes
- Mention distraction to the officer
- Contact a personal injury lawyer
These steps help protect your health, your claim, and your future.
How The Roth Firm Can Help
At The Roth Firm, we handle distracted driving accident claims with precision. We know the tactics insurers use to downplay distractions. We also know how to investigate thoroughly, reviewing surveillance footage, pulling device logs, and working with crash experts when needed.
You focus on recovery. We’ll handle the legal side.
If you or someone you care about was hurt by a distracted driver, contact The Roth Firm today. We’ll review your case for free and help you understand your options