Road to Safety: What the Latest Georgia Highway Report Reveals About Our Distracted Driving Habits

Posted on - Thursday, January 2, 2025 under Car Accident, Personal Injury

In October 2024, the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety reported that distracted driving
accounted for over 53% of all vehicle traffic accidents in 2022. In the Atlanta area, the highest rates of
distraction-related crashes occurred on principal arterial roads, such as I-75 and I-85. In more rural parts of Georgia, like Haralson and Carroll counties, most distraction-related crashes happened on collector roads, which are designed to move traffic from local streets to arterial roads.

Discussions about distracted driving often focus on cellphone use, but this is not the only form of
distraction. There are three types of distracted driving:

1. Manual distractions involve physically interacting with something in the vehicle, such as eating,
   drinking, smoking, or adjusting the radio.
2. Visual distractions involve looking at something other than the road, such as checking your phone,
   reading, or looking at a billboard.
3. Cognitive distractions involve mental engagement with thoughts that distract you from driving, such as conversations, arguments, or loud noises inside or outside the vehicle.

It’s crucial to prioritize safety while driving and to recognize that these distractions are not worth
jeopardizing your well-being or that of others. Here are some steps you can take to prevent distracted
driving:

Prepare Before You Drive

• Adjust your settings: Set your GPS, climate controls, and mirrors before hitting the road.
• Organize your belongings: Keep necessary items like water or toll money within easy reach.
• Turn on “Do Not Disturb”: Use your phone’s do-not-disturb mode or apps that block notifications while driving.

Minimize Phone Usage

• Hands-free devices: Use Bluetooth or hands-free features if you must take a call.
• No texting or scrolling: Never text, check social media, or browse apps while driving.
• Plan stops for communication: If you need to send a message or call, pull over safely.

Limit Passenger Distractions

• Set expectations: Ask passengers to respect your focus on driving.
• Engage help when needed: Have passengers handle tasks like GPS adjustments or changing
  music.

Focus on the Road

• Stay alert: Continuously scan the road and be aware of your surroundings.
• Avoid multitasking: Eating, grooming, or managing tasks like paperwork should wait until you’re parked.

If you or a loved one has been injured due to the negligence of a distracted driver, Parian Lawyers is
here to help. Don’t suffer in silence. Our experienced attorneys will evaluate your case, free of cost. Call
us at (770) 562-7562.

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