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Follow us on TwitterWhether you’re driving in Georgia as a resident or driving through our state on vacation or business, you need to be aware of Georgia’s new cell phone legislation as of July 1, 2010. Specifically the new law states:
“No person shall operate a motor vehicle on any public road or highway of this state while using a wireless telecommunications device to write, send, or read any text based communication, including but not limited to a text message, instant message, electronic mail, or Internet data.”
The fine for offenders will be $150 and one point on their driver’s license. The law further protects our youngest drivers by prohibiting drivers under the age of 18 from using any wireless-communication device. There is current legislation underway that may prevent the use of hand-held cell phones for all Georgia drivers, so stay tuned to the legislation updates, so you’re not caught unaware.
Fortunately I don’t have to worry about this law for 2 reasons
1- I don’t drive. I gave it up about 6 years ago. I do take the car out every 3-4 months just to make sure I don’t get rusty, in case of an emergency. My husband does all the driving and chauffeuring. Everyone tells me how lucky I am because he is willing to take me anywhere I need to go even to the Beauty Salon. Now reason number 2- Our phones aren’t really sent up for texting and besides James(my Hubby) doesn’t even like the idea of texting.
But as far as the new law goes………I think it is a very good idea that is long overdue. Teens aren’t the best drivers in the world and they don’t need anymore distractions when they are behind the wheel of a lethal weapon. It is heart breaking when you hear about a wreck and then learn that a 16,17, 18 year old was driving and one or more kids died in the accident. Sometimes it is speeding that was involved but most of the time it was because they were distracted and had taken their eyes off the road for a split second.
My grandchildren have just gotten old enough to start driving and it scares me to death. Especially because they are always talking about how many texts they receive at all different times. I hope the law is passed to ban all use of wireless phones and even bluetooths while ANYONE is driving. I don’t care how old you are, when you are driving you don’t need to be trying to dial a cellphone or answer an incoming call.
Thanks for letting me vent about this because I feel very passionately about this subject.