Distracted Driving in Georgia: A Silent Crisis on the Road

What You Need to Know About the Growing Dangers Behind the Wheel

Distracted driving is one of the most serious and underreported public safety issues facing Georgia today.
From congested interstates in metro Atlanta to two-lane roads in rural counties, driver distraction plays
a role in more than half of the crashes occurring statewide. As mobile technology continues to evolve and
compete for attention, the risk to Georgia drivers, passengers, and pedestrians continues to grow.

This article examines the latest data, the real-world consequences, and the legal rights of individuals
injured by distracted drivers in Georgia.

The Data: How Widespread is Distracted Driving in Georgia?

53% of all motor vehicle crashes involved at least one confirmed or suspected distracted driver.
30% of all serious injury crashes in 2022 involved a distracted driver.
76 fatal crashes in 2022 were confirmed to involve distracted driving, resulting in 76 fatalities.
Nearly 20% of drivers in Georgia were observed engaging in distracting activities while driving.

Distracted driving is a significant contributing factor in both property damage and life-altering injuries,
and these statistics likely understate the full extent of the problem due to underreporting.

Demographics and Risk Factors

Some drivers are more likely to be involved in distraction-related crashes than others:

Drivers aged 15–24 accounted for 26% of distracted drivers in crashes, 28% in fatal crashes, and 32% of post-crash citations.
Distraction is more common in metro Atlanta than in rural regions.
Weekdays show higher distraction rates than weekends.

Young drivers and urban areas are disproportionately affected, making public education and enforcement efforts
in these populations especially critical.

Georgia’s Hands-Free Law: Legal Framework and Enforcement Trends

Georgia’s Hands-Free Law (O.C.G.A. § 40-6-241), which took effect in 2018, prohibits drivers from holding or
supporting a phone with any part of their body while driving.

In the years since the law’s enactment:

Distracted driving convictions increased from approximately 11,500 in 2017 to over 65,000 in 2019.
Enforcement remains strong in counties such as Gwinnett, Henry, and Chatham.
Despite enforcement, distracted driving remains prevalent—indicating a need for ongoing education and awareness.

The Real-World Impact of Distracted Driving

Behind every statistic is a person or family whose life has been permanently changed:

423 individuals sustained serious injuries in crashes involving confirmed distracted drivers in 2022.
More than half of those seriously injured were not in the distracted driver’s vehicle—most were other motorists, passengers, or pedestrians.

These injuries often result in long-term medical care needs, loss of income, psychological trauma, and reduced quality of life.

Legal Remedies for Victims of Distracted Driving

If you have been injured due to a distracted driver, you may be entitled to compensation under Georgia personal injury law. Recovery may include:

Medical Expenses: Including emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, medication, and rehabilitation.
Lost Wages & Future Earnings: Compensation for time away from work or diminished earning capacity.
Pain and Suffering: For physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life.
Property Damage: Repair or replacement of vehicles and personal property.
Punitive Damages: In cases involving especially reckless behavior like texting while driving.
Wrongful Death Claims: Compensation for families who have lost a loved one due to distracted driving.

An experienced personal injury attorney can help you gather evidence, deal with insurance companies, and pursue
full and fair compensation under Georgia law.

Preventing Distracted Driving: What You Can Do

Use hands-free or silence mobile devices while driving.
Pre-set navigation and climate settings before driving.
Avoid eating or multitasking while operating a vehicle.
Encourage others—especially teen drivers—to stay focused behind the wheel.
Speak up as a passenger if you notice distracted driving.

What to Do If You Have Been Injured

If you or someone you love has been hurt in a crash caused by a distracted driver, it is important to
seek legal representation as soon as possible. Delays can result in the loss of critical evidence or
reduced recovery options.

At Jarrett & Price, Injury Lawyers, we are committed to helping injury victims throughout Georgia.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn about your options.

Visit us at www.jarrettfirm.com or call 855-909-3021.

Final Thoughts

Distracted driving is a leading cause of crashes, serious injuries, and preventable deaths in Georgia.
While laws such as the Hands-Free Act are a positive step, the continued rise in distraction-related crashes
shows that more must be done—both by drivers and through the legal system.

If you have been impacted by distracted driving, you do not have to navigate the aftermath alone.
Legal guidance is available to help you pursue justice and the compensation you deserve.