Cell phones are used for nearly everything: planning, working, taking pictures, using social media, and so much more. For many, these small, complex devices are essential to everyday life. Unfortunately, though, texting and scrolling through social media while driving are huge issues on Georgia’s roads. This practice is dangerous and illegal in most states.
To help protect drivers and others on the roads, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety (GOHS) are teaming up with Sandersville Police Department for the “U Drive. U Text. U Pay.” high-visibility enforcement effort that runs from Thursday, April 7 to Monday, April 11. The campaign goals are to spread the message about the dangers of distracted driving and remind drivers of the consequences of their distracted actions. These expanded efforts to prevent distracted driving are conducted not just to collect tickets, but to increase all road users’ safety.
While it is generally thought that distracted driving is simply texting or talking on a cell phone, it can also take many other forms, such as adjusting the GPS, applying makeup, eating, or even interacting with other passengers. The bottom line is if the attention is anywhere other than the road, this is driving distracted, and makes one a dangerous driver. Texting is an especially dangerous form of distracted driving because it takes eyes off the road, hands off the wheel, and concentration off driving.
Everyone has undoubtedly seen another driver with their eyes on their phone instead of the road, and many drivers are guilty of the “double standard” of giving themselves a personal exemption when it comes to distracted driving. Americans spend 2 hours, 54 minutes on their phones every day – far too many of these minutes are while driving.
In 2021, the Sandersville Police Department issued 30 distracted driving citations. Violating Georgia’s distracted-driving laws can be costly. The fine for a first conviction is $50.00 and 1 point assessed against the driver’s license. The fine is $100.00 and 2 points for a second conviction and $150.00 and 3 points for three or more convictions. The fines for a 2nd or 3rd offense only apply when the date of a 2nd or 3rd conviction takes place within 24 months of the date of the first conviction. First time offenders can have the charge dropped by showing the court that they have obtained a device that allows them to talk on a phone with hands-free technology or devices.
No one wants to get a ticket for distracted driving or cause a crash because they decided to read or send a text. When driving, follow these steps:
– If one is expecting a text message or needs to send one, pull over and park the car in a safe location. Once safely off the road and parked, it is safe to text.
– Ask passengers to be the “designated texter.” Allow them access to the phone to respond to calls or messages.
– Do not engage in social media scrolling or messaging while driving.
– Cell phone use can be habit-forming. Struggling to not text and drive? Activate the phone’s “Do Not Disturb” feature, or put the cell phone in the trunk, glove box, or back seat of the vehicle until arriving at the destination.
Do not be responsible for injuring or killing another human being. Texting while driving is dangerous and illegal. Break the cycle. Remember: “U Drive. U Text. U Pay.”