Distracted driving is defined as any activity that takes a driver’s attention away from driving safely.  A distraction can be:

• Visual – taking the driver’s eyes off the road

• Manual – taking the driver’s hands off the wheel

• Cognitive- taking the driver’s attention from the roads

Often, distracting activities are a combination of two or more of the distractions described above.  Texting and driving, for example, is regarded as a particularly dangerous form of distracted driving because it involves all three types of distraction.  The driver’s eyes are on the phone, not the road.  Also, the driver’s hands are on the phone, not the wheel, and  attention is on the content of the message, not the surroundings.

Certain types of distracted driving are against the law in Georgia.  Texting and driving (or instant messaging, e-mailing or using the Internet) is prohibited by state law.  Additionally, cell phone use by Georgia drivers under the age of 18 is prohibited.

Whether the distraction comes from a cell phone, a toddler who needs a toy, changing the radio station or eating lunch, it can be dangerous and potentially life-threatening to drive while distracted.