Imagine you’re driving down the highway, your favorite song playing, when a notification pops up on your phone. You wonder if you should quickly check your phone, just for a second. After all, what could go wrong?
The answer, unfortunately, is: A lot. In that blink, you might drift into oncoming traffic, a pedestrian could step into a crosswalk or the driver ahead could slam on their brakes, leading to a catastrophic collision. Distracted driving happens quickly, but its effects can last a lifetime.
Hands-free doesn’t mean risk-free
Georgia’s hands-free law aims to combat the dangers of distracted driving. This law makes it illegal to hold or support a phone while driving. The goal is clear: to keep drivers’ attention on the road. Violating this law can lead to fines of $50 for first-time offenders and higher fines and license suspensions for repeat offenders.
That said, even if you comply with the law and talk on a hands-free device, it can still be incredibly dangerous to use your phone while driving because it takes your attention off the road.
The dangers of distraction and multitasking
You might think a quick glance at your phone is harmless. But in just a few seconds, a lot can happen. As the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration explains, at 55 mph, you can travel the length of a football field without looking at the road. Imagine closing your eyes while walking through a crowded mall. You’d likely bump into several people or objects in just a few seconds. On the road, the consequences are far worse.
Unfortunately, many drivers believe they can multitask safely. But our brains can struggle to focus on two complex tasks at once. When you try to multitask while driving:
- Your reaction time slows
- You miss critical visual cues
- Your brain switches between tasks, leaving gaps in attention
Distractions may seem innocent, but they can change lives forever. A glance at a phone can lead to a crash that injures you or someone else. Being aware of the risks and making a conscious effort to stay focused can prevent these tragedies.