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Georgia Pumps The Brakes On Distracted Driving

Cellular devices were the cause of most fatalities on Georgia roadways in 2016, according to the National Safety Council.
U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Sadie Colbert
Cellular devices were the cause of most fatalities on Georgia roadways in 2016, according to the National Safety Council.

Georgia's new hands-free driving law goes into effect Sunday, July 1. The Georgia General Assembly passedHouse Bill 673 earlier this year, and last month it was signed by Governor Nathan Deal. This new law requires drivers to use hands-free technology when using cell phones and other electronic devices while driving. Writing, sending or reading any text-based communication, including a text message, instant message, e-mail or internet data while holding your device is prohibited.On Second Thought host Virginia Prescott speaks with Greg Bluestein, Rachel Lewit Galotti and Darl Champion.

Studies from The National Safety Council show more than 1,500 people died on Georgia’s roads in 2016.Cell phones and other electronic devices are to blame for most of those fatalities.

 

To learn more about the do's and don'ts under the new law, we spoke with Greg Bluestein from The Atlanta Journal Constitution. We also spoke with Rachel Lewit-Galotti from Nathan’s Driving School in Atlanta to discuss changing behaviors for young drivers. Darl Champion from the Champion Firm in Atlanta gave us insight on how his firm will adjust to the new law.

 

Copyright 2018 Georgia Public Broadcasting

On Second Thought Producer/Reporter
Virginia Prescott is the Gracie Award-winning host of On Second Thought for Georgia Public Broadcasting. Before joining GPB, she was host of Word of Mouth, Writers on A New England Stage and the I-Tunes Top Ten Podcasts Civics 101 and The 10-Minute Writers Workshop on New Hampshire Public Radio. Prior to joining NHPR, she was editor, producer, and director for NPR programs On Point and Here & Now, and Director of Interactive media for New York Public Radio.