Distracted Driving Resource Guide

Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of preventable car accidents in the United States. Every year, thousands of lives are cut short because a driver looks away from the road for just a few seconds. In Georgia and across the country, distracted driving isn’t just dangerous—it’s deadly.

According to the CDC, over 3,100 people were killed and another 424,000 injured in crashes involving a distracted driver in 2018 alone. The threat is especially severe among younger drivers: 25% of distracted drivers involved in fatal crashes were between the ages of 20 and 29.

At Graham Scofield Injury Lawyers, we understand how devastating a distracted driving accident can be. If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, our distracted driving accident lawyers in Atlanta are here to help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.

Types of Driving Distractions

Drivers can be distracted in many ways. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) categorizes distractions into three primary categories:

• • Visual distractions: Taking your eyes off the road.
  • Manual distractions: Taking your hands off the wheel.
  • Cognitive distractions: Taking your mind off driving.
    

Some of the most common causes of distracted driving include:

• • Texting or talking on the phone
  • Eating and drinking
  • Adjusting the radio or navigation
  • Talking to passengers
  • Looking at apps or notifications on your mobile device
  • Daydreaming or drowsiness
    

A 2019 study found that drivers are distracted by their smartphones 24% to 26% of the time they’re behind the wheel.

Recognizing these behaviors is critical not only for prevention but also for holding negligent drivers accountable in court.

Statistics and Prevalence

Here’s a snapshot of how serious the distracted driving problem has become:

• • 9% of all teen deaths in motor vehicle accidents were due to distracted driving.
  • In 5 seconds, a vehicle traveling 55 mph covers the length of a football field—the same time it takes to send a text.
  • 59.6% of California drivers report nearly being hit by someone texting or talking on a phone.
  • Distracted driving plays a role in hundreds of thousands of injury accidents each year.

These statistics make it clear that distracted driving is a public health crisis that affects everyone on the road.

Legal Implications of Distracted Driving

If a distracted driver hits you in Georgia, you may be entitled to compensation. However, proving fault and navigating Georgia’s legal system can be a complex process.

Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence law. This means you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault—as long as you’re found less than 50% responsible.

Here’s an example: If you suffered $100,000 in damages, but the court finds you were 20% at fault (perhaps for speeding or not wearing a seatbelt), your recovery would be reduced by 20%, bringing your award to $80,000.

Distracted Driving Laws in Georgia

Distracted driving laws vary widely across the U.S., but Georgia has implemented strict regulations to reduce distracted driving fatalities.

Under Georgia’s Hands-Free Law (HB 673), drivers are prohibited from:

• • Holding or supporting a phone with any part of their body
  • Writing, reading, or sending any text-based communication
  • Watching videos or recording content while driving
    

Violating these laws can result in fines, points on your license, and increased liability if you cause a crash.

Unlike some states, Georgia’s laws apply even when the vehicle is stopped at a red light or in traffic. This helps close loopholes that distracted drivers once used to avoid accountability.

Role of Specialized Accident Attorneys

Proving a distracted driver’s negligence is not always straightforward. That’s where an experienced car crash attorney becomes essential.

Distracted driving accident lawyers can help injured victims recover physically and financially by:

• • Investigating the crash scene.
  • Securing phone records, dashcam footage, and witness statements.
  • Proving distraction caused the crash using physical or digital evidence.
  • Negotiating with insurers to secure a fair settlement.
  • Filing a personal injury lawsuit if the insurance company denies or delays rightful compensation.

With 97% of personal injury claims settling out of court, having a skilled negotiator on your side can make a significant financial difference.

At Graham Scofield Injury Lawyers, our team has extensive experience handling distracted driving cases and fighting for clients throughout Atlanta. We can help you pursue justice even when the odds seem stacked against you.

Distracted Driving Prevention Efforts and Campaigns

Preventing distracted driving requires a combination of education, legislation, and effective enforcement. Several nationwide initiatives are tackling this issue head-on.

Nationwide Initiatives

Organizations and agencies leading the way in distracted driving prevention include:

• • National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA): Offers driver education and crash data.
  • EndDD.org: Focuses on educational outreach for teens and schools.
  • Distraction.gov (U.S. DOT Archive): Provides research, statistics, and policy history.
  • Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD): Includes distracted driving in its victim outreach and prevention programs.
  • Governor’s Highway Safety Association (GHSA): Tracks state laws and supports policy research.

These programs aim to lower the staggering rate of distracted driving fatalities through advocacy and public awareness.

Social Media and Outreach Strategies

Social media plays a growing role in raising awareness. Influencers, nonprofits, and state agencies are working together to launch campaigns like:

• • #JustDrive from the National Safety Council.
  • Teen and Parent Outreach from Safe Roads Alliance.
  • Peer-to-peer messaging campaigns sponsored by AAA and state DOTs.

By targeting younger drivers where they spend time—online—these efforts are changing perceptions and behaviors behind the wheel.

Practical Tips for Drivers

Preventing distracted driving begins with personal responsibility and consistency. Here’s how drivers can reduce risky behavior behind the wheel:

Utilizing Hands-Free Devices

If you need to make a call while driving, use hands-free technology to reduce manual and visual distractions. Some of the tools that help include:

• • Built-in Bluetooth systems
  • Voice-command features like Siri or Google Assistant
  • Dashboard mounts for phones
  • Vehicle-integrated touchscreens with safety lock features

Selecting a hands-free system that minimizes screen interaction and requires no regular updates or app syncing is ideal when on the road.

Developing Responsible Driving Habits

Good driving habits can help reduce accidents across the board. Try these simple strategies:

• • Set your GPS before you start driving.
  • Turn off notifications or use “Do Not Disturb While Driving” modes.
  • Avoid multitasking — no eating, grooming, or managing kids/pets while driving.
  • Stay focused even when stopped at red lights or stuck in traffic.

The National Safety Council recommends defensive driving education as a powerful way to retrain individuals who exhibit risky behaviors.

Reducing Risky Driving Behaviors

Awareness isn’t enough—you have to change behavior. These additional tips can help:

• • Leave earlier to reduce stress and avoid the last-minute rush.
  • Use apps that block texting while driving, like LifeSaver or DriveMode.
  • Talk to teen drivers early and often about driving expectations and courtesy.
  • Pull over to a safe place if something demands your attention.

Parents, employers, and educators all play a role in modeling and reinforcing safe driving habits.

Resources for Distracted Driving Victims

Being involved in a distracted driving crash can be life-changing. Whether you’re facing medical bills, long-term recovery, or emotional trauma, resources are available to help you get support and legal guidance.

Legal Assistance Options

A dedicated Personal Injury Lawyer in Atlanta, GA, can help you pursue compensation for:

• • Medical expenses
  • Lost wages
  • Pain and suffering
  • Property damage
    

Top legal directories and support organizations include:

• • Avvo – Find rated distracted driving attorneys.
  • Martindale-Hubbell – Trusted legal network.
  • National Crime Victim Bar Association – Legal guidance for crash victims.
    

At Graham Scofield Injury Lawyers, we work directly with victims of negligent drivers to ensure their voices are heard and their rights are protected.

Recovery and Support Programs

Emotional healing is just as important as physical recovery. Consider these support services:

• • Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD)—Includes distracted driving in victim services.
  • Trauma Survivors Network—Offers peer-to-peer recovery support.
  • National Center for Victims of Crime—Connects victims to counselors and advocacy.
  • Georgia trauma centers and social workers—Often provide local resources post-crash.

The Team at Graham Scofield Injury Lawyer Is Here To Help You

Distracted driving accidents leave a lasting impact—physically, financially, and emotionally. At Graham Scofield Injury Lawyers, we’re committed to helping injured victims hold negligent drivers accountable for their behavior.

Our team has decades of experience advocating for those harmed by distracted drivers. Whether you need a tough car crash attorney or a legal strategy built around your injuries, we’re here to walk you through every step of your recovery.

Contact our personal injury lawyers in Atlanta, GA, for a free consultation today.

Schedule Your Free Consultation

FAQs

How long do I have to file a distracted driving lawsuit in Georgia?

In most cases, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, exceptions may apply, so it’s best to speak with an attorney immediately.

Will my case go to trial?

Probably not. About 97% of personal injury cases settle out of court—but we prepare every case as if it will go to trial to ensure the best possible outcome.

Is it worth getting an attorney for a car accident?

Yes. An experienced attorney can uncover evidence, negotiate with insurers, and maximize your compensation. Without legal help, you risk accepting a lowball offer.

How many accidents are caused by distracted driving?

According to the CDC, over 400,000 injuries and 2,800 deaths in 2018 alone were linked to distracted driving.

What evidence can support a distracted driving claim in Georgia?

Valuable evidence may include cell phone records, surveillance or dashcam footage, witness statements, police reports, and vehicle crash data.

What happens if I’m in a crash and the other driver was texting?

If the driver was texting, they may be found negligent. Georgia’s laws prohibit handheld phone use while driving, and their violation can support your claim for damages.