April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month—a time to reflect on the growing danger of distracted driving and the real human cost behind the statistics. From 2022-2024, the national annual fatality rate has remained above 3,000, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
The data underscores how distracted driving continues to plague U.S. roadways and especially those in North Georgia and Chattanooga, Tennessee, despite public awareness efforts and existing laws.
As a personal injury lawyer serving clients across North Georgia and Tennessee, I’ve seen firsthand the devastating impact that distracted driving has on victims and their families. Let’s define distracted driving, discuss tips for prevention and what to do if injured by a distracted driver in North Georgia cities like Woodstock and Cartersville or Chattanooga, TN.
What Is Distracted Driving?
The NHTSA defines distracted driving as “any activity that diverts attention from driving.” This includes everything from texting or talking on the phone to eating, adjusting the GPS, or even interacting with passengers. But texting remains the most alarming distraction because it combines all three types of distraction:
- Visual – Taking your eyes off the road.
- Manual – Taking your hands off the wheel.
- Cognitive – Taking your mind off driving.
We’re beyond just “eyes on the road” – your hands and mind need to be focused as well. Eating or drinking, applying makeup or using or adjusting a phone or GPS device are all considered distractions by the states of Tennessee and Georgia.
Distracted Driving Data and Prevention Methods in North Georgia and Chattanooga, TN
New data continues to paint a tragic picture of how distracted driving impacts our streets and highways. In Georgia alone, more than 50,000 distracted driving convictions were reported in 2024. Locally:
- Bartow County (home to our Cartersville office) reported 1,303 convictions.
- Cherokee County (home to our Woodstock office) reported 666 convictions.
In Tennessee, the State Highway Patrol reported that between February 2024 and January 2025:
- A crash involving a distracted driver occurred once every 6 hours and 57 minutes in Chattanooga County.
- Overall, 1 in every 26 drivers involved in a crash was distracted.
To combat distracted driving, the NHTSA strongly advises drivers to never take their eyes off the road for more than a moment. Additionally, you can:
- Use hands-free settings for your GPS or mobile device.
- Secure your device so that it does not roll or move while you drive.
- Avoid smoking and eating while driving.
- Make sure passengers do not disturb the driver, especially with loud noises or by touching them.
These simple yet crucial steps can make a significant difference in preventing accidents and personal injury claims and ensure the safety of everyone on the road.
How Georgia and Tennessee Addresses Distracted Driving
Both Georgia and Tennessee have enacted “hands-free” laws to address distracted driving. Georgia’s Hands-Free Georgia Act and Tennessee’s Hands-Free Law make it illegal to hold a phone or support it with any part of your body while operating a motor vehicle. Violations not only carry fines and penalties, but they can also play a critical role in personal injury litigation if an accident occurs. You can learn more prevention methods at HandsFreeTN.com and HeadsUpGeorgia.com.
At Pritchard Injury Firm, we understand how critical evidence is in these cases—proving negligence often hinges on demonstrating that distracted driving was involved.
How Pritchard Injury FirmHelps Victims of Distracted Driving Accidents
Our experienced attorneys in North Georgia and Chattanooga leverage evidence such as phone records, dash cam footage, and witness testimony to show when distracted driving contributed to an accident. This information is often key to helping victims recover compensation for:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Long-term pain and suffering
Your North Georgia and Chattanooga Accident Lawyer
If you have suffered bodily or physical injury due to distracted driving, have your injury lawyer review your own personal insurance policy to determine if you can file a personal insurance claim against another person or driver. You need to support your claim and gather all evidence, pictures, and documentation about the incident.
With a lawyer on your side, you level the playing field and have someone fighting solely for what you deserve, which is complete and fair compensation for your injuries.
If you have been injured in an accident due to the negligence of another, don't just settle. At Pritchard Injury Firm, we have the knowledge and experience to fight for the results you deserve. Contact us online or give us a call today at (470) 339-8031.