Georgia Pumps The Brakes On Distracted Driving

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Cellular devices were the cause of most fatalities on Georgia roadways in 2016, according to the National Safety Council.

Georgia's new hands-free driving law goes into effect Sunday, July 1. The Georgia General Assembly passed House Bill 673 earlier this year, and last month it was signed by Governor Nathan Deal. This new law requires drivers to use hands-free technology when using cell phones and other electronic devices while driving. Writing, sending or reading any text-based communication, including a text message, instant message, e-mail or internet data while holding your device is prohibited. On Second Thought host Virginia Prescott speaks with Greg Bluestein, Rachel Lewit Galotti and Darl Champion.

Studies from The National Safety Council show more than 1,500 people died on Georgia’s roads in 2016. Cell phones and other electronic devices are to blame for most of those fatalities.

To learn more about the do's and don'ts under the new law, we spoke with Greg Bluestein from The Atlanta Journal Constitution. We also spoke with Rachel Lewit-Galotti from Nathan’s Driving School in Atlanta to discuss changing behaviors for young drivers. Darl Champion from the Champion Firm in Atlanta gave us insight on how his firm will adjust to the new law.