Following signature by Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal, the state of Georgia made it illegal to use hand-held wireless devices while driving, following 15 other states, Washington, D.C., Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands that have already banned the devices.
The law, which goes into effect July 1, bans motorists from driving with a cellphone in their hands or supported by any part of their body. Instead, drivers must use wireless headsets, navigational devices, a smartphone watch or an earpiece to make and receive calls.
The law also applies to texting, emailing, social media and videos.
“Despite widespread awareness of the risks, many drivers still engage in distracting behaviors,” Jonathan Adkins, executive director of the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) said. “GHSA urges all states to ban handheld cell phone use behind the wheel and all motorists to refrain from all distractions and commit their full attention to driving. Congratulations to the State of Georgia for this notable achievement.”
Other states have been strengthening their traffic safety laws. Other recent laws include Oregon refining its distracted driving laws, Nebraska and Virginia requiring children younger than two to ride in a rear-facing child safety seat, Arizona and Delaware improving their existing ignition interlock programs, and Vermont revising its law banning open containers of marijuana in vehicles.