Over the past decade, distracted driving has become one of the leading causes of vehicle crashes on our nation’s roads. Sandersville Police is encouraging drivers to put down the phone and remember: U Drive. U Text. U Pay. In support of April’s National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, Sandersville Police will partner with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety from October 5 to October 12, 2020, for the national U Drive. U Text. U Pay. high-visibility enforcement effort. The goal of the campaign is to step up enforcement efforts to catch distracted, texting drivers and enforce distracted-driving laws.
Sandersville Police officers issued 65 citations for violating Hands Free Georgia Act in 2019.
- National data from 2019 showed 36% (aged 18-24) admitted to texting while driving. Of those who admitted to texting while driving, 51% said they were “very” or “extremely” familiar with their state’s texting and driving laws. Young drivers who admitted to texting while driving, or reading a text message while driving, were nearly twice as likely to continue to engage in cell phone use (including reading and sending text messages) than were other respondents, thereby doubling their chances of more than once getting into an accident. 60% said they were likely to use a GPS app while driving. Only 7% said they were likely to use GPS apps while driving also indicated they thought it was more dangerous than using a cell phone to text.
“It is absurd how common it has become to see people driving down Georgia’s road looking at their phones,” said Captain Kelly Collins of the Sandersville Police Department. “People know texting and driving is dangerous and often illegal, but they selfishly do it anyway, and it puts others at risk. Beginning April 9, you will see Sandersville Police officers stopping and ticketing anyone who is caught texting and driving. If you text and drive, you will pay.”
Violating Georgia’s distracted-driving laws can be costly. The fine for a first conviction is $50.00 and 1 point assessed against the driver’s license. The fine is $100.00 and 2 points for a second conviction and $150.00 and 3 points for three or more conviction. The fines for a 2nd or 3rd offense only apply when date of a 2nd or 3rd conviction takes place within 24 months of the date of the first conviction. First time offenders can have the charge dropped by showing the court they have obtained a device that allows them to talk on a phone with hands-free technology or devices.
Many drivers are guilty of a “double standard” when it comes to distracted driving. “We all have cell phones, and we use them all the time,” said Capt. Collins. “But when you get behind the wheel, putting away your phone should be just as automatic as putting on your seat belt. No one is good at driving distracted. If your attention is anywhere other than on the road, you’re a dangerous driver. You want other drivers to pay attention to the road, right? You should pay attention, too.”
Drive Safe Every Trip
Sandersville Police, Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, and NHTSA urge you to put your phone down when you get behind the wheel. If you need to text, then pull over and do not drive while doing so. If you’re driving, follow these steps for a safe driving experience:
- If you are expecting a text message or need to send one, pull over and park your car in a safe location. Once you are safely off the road and parked, it is safe to text.
- Designate your passenger as your “designated texter.” Allow them access to your phone to respond to calls or messages.
- Do not engage in social media scrolling or messaging while driving. Cell phone use is habit-forming. Struggling to not text and drive? Activate your phone’s “Do Not Disturb” feature, or put your phone in the trunk, glove box, or back seat of your vehicle until you arrive at your destination.
Texting while driving is dangerous and illegal. Break the cycle. Remember: U Drive. U Text. U Pay.