GA Bans Texting While Driving- GA text message law goes into effect July 1, 2010- Fines and penalties for texting while driving

As of July 1, 2010, it will be illegal in the State of GA to "write, send, or read ay text based communication, including but not limited to a text message, instant message, e-mail, or Internet Data" while driving a motor vehicle. 

 According to the new "Caleb Sorohan Act for Saving Lives by Preventing Texting While Driving," such behavior will result in additional points being added to the driver's license, as well as be punishable as a misdemeanor with a fine of $150. 

 Driving and talking on a cell phone is not prohibited under this law; however, a second law was passed outlawing both texting and talking on a cell phone if the driver has an instruction permit or Class D license and is under 18 years of age. 

In the last five years, more than 1,700 drivers on their cell phones caused crashes. Until the data came out, it was impossible to tell how many crashes were caused by drivers using cell phones on the road.

Studies show that texting while driving increases your chances of crashing by 20 times. Even using your phone in a hands-free mode is dangerous since it's a "cognitive distraction" which may decrease driving performance.  In fact, texting and other distracted driving account for nearly 80% of all automobile accidents.

According to the Department of  Transportation cell phones are involved in 1.6 million accidents a year, causing half a million injuries and 6,000 deaths.

Teens are especially hard hit.  In December 2009 a Georgia teenager died while texting his girlfriend, another little girl was ran over while riding her bike.  Statistics show the motor vehicle death rate of teens caused by cell phones is 21 percent and rising by 4 percent a year.

Are you texting while driving? Do you think the law is fair? Have you ever almost hit someone while distracted driving? I want to know your thoughts. Leave your comments below.

For a complete list of all States and their position regarding texting, cell phone use, and the like, click here: http://www.ghsa.org/html/stateinfo/laws/cellphone_laws.html

Read the full text of the law banning texting and cell phone use for drivers under 18:  http://www.legis.state.ga.us/legis/2009_10/fulltext/hb23.htm

Read the full text of the law banning texting while driving: http://www.legis.state.ga.us/legis/2009_10/fulltext/sb360.htm