Georgia Teen Accidents: House Passes Bill Banning Cell Phone Use
Earlier this year, I discussed efforts being made by Peachtree City Representative Matt Ramsey to ban cell phone use by teen motorists to stem the accident rate among members of this age group. On March 12th, the House voted for Rep. Ramsey's bill 138-34, marking a tougher approach to teen cell phone use behind the wheel.
The bill which now goes to the Senate, threatens drivers under the age of 18 who continue to text message or talk on their cell phones with fines or even a license suspension. The only exceptions that teen motorists will be able to claim is in the event of a lifesaving call in an emergency, or a call to report a traffic or road hazard. The bill doesn't just extend to cell phones; it also includes computers and other electronic communication devices. A first offense according to the bill, will result in a fine of $100, and if motorists are found to have been using an electronic communication device during a car accident, they could face a 90-day suspension of their license. A repeat offense will result in a license suspension for six months. Those are stiff penalties, and should prove to be a deterrent to many teen drivers who can't seem to hang up.
Teen accident rates due to cell phone distractions don’t normally receive the kind of attention they deserve, although Georgia car accident lawyers have been vocal about the problem for a while now. These motorists are inexperienced and are more likely to take road safety for granted. In recent weeks, however, the issue has received some media coverage. NASCAR Sprint Cup drivers Reed Sorenson and Kasey Kahne have combined with Allstate to educate teen drivers around the country about the dangers of cell phone use behind the wheel. The two are making stops around the country, including a visit to Smyrna, Georgia, visiting high schools and making parents and students sign contracts that will regulate teen driving behavior.
Tackling the teen driver cell phone use problem will require the cooperation of parents, teachers and the larger community to educate teen motorists about the dangers they expose themselves and others to when they use their cell phone while driving. Initiatives like those of Sorenson and Reed can help reach out to teen drivers and get them to think twice before reaching for the cell phone in the car again.
