By State Representative Keisha Waites (D-Atlanta)
(304 words)
In 2015 alone, 1,427 Georgians died in automobile accidents. Even more disturbing is the fact that traffic fatalities have increased in our state over the past nine years. These are shocking statistics, but we can preserve the lives of thousands of Georgians by passing House Bill 7.
This is not about politics. This is about saving lives. Without the added impact of using mobile devices while driving, inexperience and underdeveloped decision making skills are the greatest contributing factors to teenage motor vehicle accidents, while distracted driving is the leading cause of accidents involving adult drivers. Teenagers have the highest crash rate of any age group, and cell phones are the cause of most teenage car accident fatalities.
According to the State Department of Transportation, Interstate 285 is the deadliest highway in the country. Irresponsible behavior and distracted driving are two of the leading causes of automobile accidents on I-285. Additionally, the use of mobile devices while driving is the No. 1 cause of vehicle fatalities in the United States. These facts go hand-in-hand because metro Atlanta residents have long and exhausting commutes, making drivers more susceptible to distractions and fatigue.
If passed, HB 7 may aggravate some Georgians because it would require drivers to use hands-free devices to make calls while operating a vehicle. I know there will be some pushback; however, I believe safety should be our first priority. While I understand these frustrations, at the end of the day, this bill will save lives, and as far as I am concerned, that alone is worthwhile. And, if passed, the penalties and fees collected as a result of HB 7 will fund driver’s education courses and trauma centers. It is my hope that you will join me in adopting a public awareness campaign to encourage others to support this life saving, vitally important bill.
Representative Keisha Waites represents the citizens of District 60, which includes portions of Clayton and Fulton counties. She was elected into the House of Representatives in 2012, and currently serves on the Interstate Cooperation, Juvenile Justice, Public Safety & Homeland Security, Special Rules, and Transportation committees.
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