If you drive the highways and byways of Georgia, you have no doubt encountered a distracted driver.  Honestly, there is probably some time that you have been a distracted driver as well. It's a big problem that we are all paying for in more accidents, increased insurance rates, and even worse injuries and deaths. 

You have probably heard that the state of Georgia is hoping to combat this by implementing a new "Hands Free" law beginning July 1st.  The law basically states that you can no longer hold your phone on any part of your body while driving.   Here is the link to Georgia DDS to better understand how the new law works.  It's a very short explanation and well worth 2 minutes of your time https://dds.georgia.gov/press-...

Most of us in the insurance industry welcome this new law.  The hope is it will help curtail the runaway claims and subsequent rate increases we have seen recently.  That's a good thing.  However, you need to be aware of the penalties for getting convicted of violating the new law.  It is considered a moving violation and will show up on your driving history.  Many companies look at the consequences differently with some considering the violation as "major," like a reckless driving or DUI.  This shocked me at first too but if you have ever watched someone driving while messing with their phone, it looks very much like a drunk driver.

The best advice is to just put the phone down or make sure you are wired up to Bluetooth or some other hands free device.  It's not worth your life or someone else's and hopefully the new law will save lives and money.  Please feel free to call or email us with any questions.

Rob