Georgia ban on texting and driving to be effective July 1, 2010

Posted on 27. May, 2010 by marklink in blog

As of the date of this post the Georgia ban on texting and driving sits on Governor Sonny Perdue’s desk waiting to be sign. Also known as the “Caleb Sorohan Act for Saving Lives by Preventing Texting While Driving” seeks to prevent texting accidents. Most people would agree texting and driving is dangerous. This bill will give police more authority in addressing the issue specifically.

Arguably the ban on texting and driving might fall under the reckless driving code. But, this law is being considered and will likely come into effect July 1, 2010.

§ 40-6-390. Reckless driving

(a) Any person who drives any vehicle in reckless disregard for the safety of persons or property commits the offense of reckless driving.

(b) Every person convicted of reckless driving shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by a fine not to exceed $1,000.00 or imprisonment not to exceed 12 months, or by both such fine and imprisonment, provided that no provision of this Code section shall be construed so as to deprive the court imposing the sentence of the power given by law to stay or suspend the execution of such sentence or to place the defendant on probation.

This bill specifically addresses the issues of texting and driving, allowing for additional fines and punishment.

Said title is further amended by revising Code Section 40-6-241, relating to drivers’ exercise of due care and proper use of radios and mobile telephones, as follows:
“40-6-241.
A driver shall exercise due care in operating a motor vehicle on the highways of this state and shall not engage in any actions which shall distract such driver from the safe operation of such vehicle, provided that, except as prohibited by Code Section 40-6-241.1, the proper use of a radio, citizens band radio, or mobile telephone, or amateur or ham radio shall not be a violation of this Code section.”…

(d) Any conviction for a violation of the provisions of this Code section shall be a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of $150.00. The provisions of Chapter 11 of Title 17 and any other provision of law to the contrary notwithstanding, the costs of such

Texting accidents are still bound to happen. Let’s hope this bill will not only raise awareness, but also help to prevent avoidable injury and death.

If you or someone you know is involved in a texting accident call our office today to discuss your rights.

Tags: georgia accident lawyer, texting accident