ATLANTA – State Representative Keisha Waites (D-Atlanta) was recently appointed by Speaker David Ralston (R-Blue Ridge) to serve on the House Study Committee on Distracted Driving.
“I’m thankful to Speaker Ralston for selecting me to serve on the Distracted Driving Study Committee,” said Rep. Waites. “In 2016, 1,561 people lost their lives on Georgia’s roadways, and distracted driving is the No. 1 cause of car accidents in the United States. I have worked extensively on this issue, and I am thrilled that my work in authoring and sponsoring House Bill 7 last session led to the creation of the House Study Committee on Distracted Driving. It is imperative that this study committee explore legislative solutions to keep all commuters on Georgia’s roads safe, and I look forward to beginning this critical work.”
This ten-member study committee was created by House Resolution 282 during the recent legislative session and will examine whether changes to state law may help reduce instances of distracted driving.
“According to the State Department of Transportation, I-285 is the deadliest highway in the country,” added Rep. Waites “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. I am confident the work done in this committee will save and preserve the lives of thousands of Georgians.”
For more information on HR 282, please click here.
For more information on HB 7, please click here.
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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