SAFE DRIVING AND RESPONSIBILITIES Driving gets us from place to place and has become a way of life in America. It affords us the freedom we have come to enjoy and the convenience in traveling to our destinations. However, with this freedom and convenience comes responsibility and accountability for the safety of others on the road. Did you know… You do not have a right to drive. It is a privilege. With limited exceptions, Georgia requires you to have a valid license to exercise this privilege. And, if you do not obey the rules and laws your privilege to drive in Georgia can be taken away by the Georgia Department of Driver Services. For example, your driving privileges may be suspended, cancelled, or revoked if you are found guilty of DUI, Racing, Driving without Insurance, Failing to Appear in Court, or if you are 21 years of age or over and accumulate 15 points within a 24 month period. (see O.C.G.A §§§40-5-20, 57 ,67). Did you know… Traffic offenses in Georgia are generally misdemeanors. Consequently, in addition to the administrative penalties such as suspending your driving privileges for conviction of traffic offenses, a person can be subject to imprisonment for up to one year and $1000 in fines plus surcharges. One example of a misdemeanor offense is Failure To Obey A Traffic Control Device (Running a Stop Sign or Red Light). Only a small number of traffic offenses in Georgia do not subject a person to imprisonment, such as a Seatbelt violation. But some traffic offenses can be felonies simply based on the number of prior convictions, such as Driving While License Suspended. (see O.C.G.A. §§§40-5-121, 40-620, 40-8-76.1). Did you know… Your privilege to operate a vehicle in Georgia requires that it be registered and kept current with the owner's resident state. Also, the vehicle must be adequately insured before driving on the public roadways of Georgia. Even if you are not the owner of the vehicle, you may be found in violation of the law if, while driving on the public roadways, you are stopped and unable to show proof of valid insurance and current vehicle registration. (see O.C.G.A §. 40-6-10 and O.C.G.A § 40-2-8.). Did you know… The statistics from Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety show that for 2008, Georgia had 1,493 roadway fatalities, 115,797 roadway injuries and 306,367 motor vehicle crashes. As of 2008, Fulton County had the largest number of fatalities (113). As of 2011, statistics show Fulton County had 44,748 crashes, 13,285 injuries and 61 fatalities. Law enforcement and other road safety personnel risk their lives to prevent and respond to these heartbreaking consequences of traffic law violations. Since 1998, over 150 U.S. law enforcement officers have been killed while on duty after being hit by vehicles along Georgia highways. In an effort to protect the law enforcement officers and other road safety personnel who risk their lives to keep our communities safe, drivers must exercise due caution when approaching police officers, paramedics, firefighters, tow truck operators and highway maintenance workers. Georgia law requires drivers to move-over one lane if an emergency vehicle with flashing lights is parked on the shoulder of the highway. However, the exception is, if traffic is too heavy to move-over safely, the law requires drivers to slow down below the posted speed limit AND to be prepared to stop. (see O.C.G.A. § 40-6-16). Did you know… In 2011, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that speeding was a contributing factor in 30 percent of all fatal crashes. Georgia has rules for driving at reasonable and suitable speeds. Therefore, be mindful that suitable speeds might be less than the actual posted speed limit depending on factors such as weather, traffic, and road conditions. Additionally, you should prepare to slow down as you approach warning signs with specific directions for designated areas like school or construction zones. Slowing down when necessary and controlling distractions are ways that you can avoid injury to others and yourself. (see O.C.G.A. § 40-6-180,181). JJ/07.25.13 Did you know… In 2011, NHTSA statistics showed that approximately 48,000 bicyclists were injured in vehiclerelated crashes; 677 were fatal. In Georgia, bicycles are vehicles too. And as such, drivers including bicyclists must obey official highway traffic signs, signals, and road markings. Injuries or fatalities from bicycle-related crashes can be avoided through precautionary measures. For instance, to increase visibility, a white light must emit from the front of a bicycle after sunset and the rear of a bicycle must emit a visible red light. Both front and back lights show visibility to on-coming traffic at a distance of 300 feet. Also, parents/guardians must ensure that any person riding a bicycle under the age of 16 has on a helmet, even passengers. (see O.C.G.A. §§§ 40-6-20, 56, & 296) . Did you know… Seatbelts are another way to reduce the harm of traffic accidents. Seatbelts can reduce the risk of fatalities to front seat passengers by 45%. NHTSA estimates that 72,000 lives were saved by seatbelts from 2005-2009. The Governor’s Office of Highway Safety in Georgia reports that in 2008, 97% of all occupants that were involved in Georgia crashes and had no injury were restrained. In conclusion, the lower the seatbelt use, the more severe the injury. Georgia law requires that drivers and every passenger of most passenger vehicles must wear a safety belt while the vehicle is in operation on public roadways. Additionally, children under the age of eight (8) years old must be secured in a proper restraining system specific to the child's height and weight as approved by the U.S. Department of Transportation guidelines. (see O.C.G.A. §§ 40-8-76, 76.1). Did you know… The U.S. Dept. of Transportation reports that in 2009, a staggering 5,474 people were killed and roughly 448,000 people were injured due to some form of distracted driving. A study by NHTSA and the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI) on driver behavior and crash factors indicates that about 80-percent of crashes were caused by a distraction occurring within three seconds of the incident. Studies performed by the National Safety Council show that driver performance diminishes when the driver is distracted; this may compromise the driver’s control over the vehicle, often leading to slower reaction times. A few examples of distracted driving are: texting while driving, adjusting the radio, driver drowsiness, hearing impairment due to headphone usage, reaching for objects, eating and grooming. A 2008 online survey reported that Georgia has the third-highest rate in the nation for drivers who text while behind the wheel. As of 2010, it is illegal for any driver to text while driving on Georgia roadways. Furthermore, drivers who are eighteen (18) years or younger are prohibited from using a cellular device while driving on Georgia public roadways. (see O.C.G.A § § 40-6-241,241.1 & 241.2). Did you know… Your privilege to drive comes with the greatest responsibility-protection of human life. NHTSA reports that from 1998 to 2008 approximately nineteen (19) school-aged children lost their lives due to a school transportation related incident. Generally, Georgia Law requires that traffic in all directions must come to a stop before reaching a school bus displaying an activated visual signal and remain stopped until the signal is deactivated. There are some exceptions, such as when the bus is on a controlled access highway and both (a) the school bus is stopped in a loading zone which is part of the highway, and (b) pedestrians are not permitted to cross the road. However, you should always exercise caution. (see O.C.G.A §§ 40-6-163, 164). “Let’s be responsible and committed to keeping Georgia roadways safe” Disclaimer: This information is based upon Georgia rules and laws regarding driving. It is not intended to provide a complete statement of applicable laws or give legal advice. It is only intended to bring awareness of the need for safe driving and a few of Georgia driving rules and laws. Resources: http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Pubs/811383.pdf http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Pubs/811767.pdf http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Pubs/811743.pdf http://www.nleomf.org/facts/officer-fatalities-data http:www.gahighway.safety.org http://www.distraction.gov/research/PDF-Files/Distracted-Driving-2009.pdf http://www.nhtsa.gov/NCSA http://www.nsc.org/safety_road/Distracted_Driving/Pages/DistractedDrivingResearchandStatistics.aspx http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Pubs/811165.pdf http://www.rta.nsw.gov.au/roadsafety/speedandspeedcameras/index.html http://www.vtnews.vt.edu/articles/2006/04/2006-237.html JJ/07.25.13
