Focus on Georgia DUI Related Charges, Distracted Driving and Following too Closely

As a Georgia DUI Lawyer, I notice trends of charges that go together. I've written many posts about charges and related offenses to DUI in Georgia. 

Today, I'd like to focus on distracted driving and following too closely as they are highly related to DUI.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving threatens the safety of drivers, passengers, and bystanders. While seemingly harmless, sending a quick text or scanning for a new radio station can have catastrophic consequences. 

Distracted driving in Georgia is defined O.C.G.A. §40-6-241.1 and O.C.G.A. §40-6-241.2.

While a new Georgia Texting While Driving law will be implemented July 1, 2018, there has already been a distracted driving law in place. 

The above-mentioned statutes prohibit drivers from using any type of wireless communication while driving. The law carves out exceptions, which include cell phone use while the car is lawfully parked and cell phone use to report an accident or crime. 

The penalty for being convicted of distracted driving in Georgia is a fine of $150.00. It also causes one point to be added to your license. 

Following Too Closely

Many accidents are a result of a person following too closely. As of recently, with the rise of technology, distracted driving and following too closely go hand in hand.

Following too closely in Georgia is defined by O.C.G.A. §40-6-49: The driver of a motor vehicle shall not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent, having due regard for the speed of such vehicles and the traffic upon and the condition of the highway.

The penalty for following too close is typically a fine plus court costs. Further, it will result in three points being added to your license. While that may not seem like a big deal, more than 15 points in a 24 month period will cause your license to be suspended. 

If you or a loved one has been charged with a DUI in Georgia, contact a Georgia DUI Attorney today. The chances are that if you have been arrested for DUI in Georgia, you probably were charged with other offenses as well.  Most of the time, drivers accused of DUI were actually pulled over for some other offense such as speeding in Georgia, failure to maintain lane in Georgia, reckless driving in Georgia, and other Georgia traffic offenses. 

The good news is that our attorneys exclusively practice Georgia DUI Defense. Contact us today so we can evaluate your case.