When most people think about distracted driving, texting behind the wheel is the first behavior that comes to mind. While texting is undeniably dangerous, it is far from the only way drivers take their attention off the road. At Ashby Thelen Lowry, our Atlanta personal injury attorneys have seen the devastating consequences of all forms of distracted driving—many of which are lesser known but equally hazardous.
In Georgia, distracted driving is a leading cause of severe collisions that result in lifelong injuries or wrongful deaths. Understanding the full range of distractions can help prevent harm and strengthen injury claims when a crash occurs due to driver negligence.
Eating and Drinking While Driving
Grabbing a quick bite during a commute or sipping coffee on the go might seem harmless, but eating and drinking behind the wheel takes a driver’s hands off the steering wheel and attention away from the road. Even a brief lapse in focus while unwrapping food or reaching for a drink can lead to disastrous outcomes.
Adjusting Navigation Systems and In-Car Technology
Touchscreens and dashboard systems are now standard in most vehicles, and while they offer convenience, they are also a growing source of distraction. Inputting an address, changing a route, or scrolling through apps can pull a driver’s eyes and attention away from traffic conditions, increasing the risk of high-speed impacts or missed roadway cues.
Grooming or Personal Care
Many drivers use red lights or stop-and-go traffic as an opportunity to check their appearance, apply makeup, or fix their hair. These actions, though brief, divide a driver’s attention and often require the use of mirrors or handheld items, making it impossible to stay fully focused on driving.
Conversations with Passengers or Children
Engaging with passengers or turning around to address children in the back seat can be more distracting than using a phone. Emotional conversations or disciplinary moments behind the wheel create mental distractions that reduce reaction times and decision-making ability.
Reaching for Items in the Vehicle
Leaning into the back seat to grab a bag or reaching across the front seat for a dropped item may seem like a negligible risk, but these movements take the driver’s eyes and hands away from the driving task. In fast-moving traffic, even a second of inattention can result in devastating injuries.
When Distraction Leads to Harm, Legal Help May Be Available
Georgia’s Hands-Free Law has helped reduce some types of distracted driving, but enforcement and education gaps remain. When someone is harmed because another driver failed to stay focused on the road, the injured party may have the right to pursue compensation for medical care, lost wages, and other damages.
At Ashby Thelen Lowry, we investigate distracted driving cases with care and precision. Our legal team builds strong claims based on the whole picture—not just phone records but driver behavior, eyewitness accounts, and vehicle data. If you or a loved one was seriously injured due to a distracted driver in Georgia, contact our Atlanta personal injury attorneys today. We may be able to take your case and pursue the results you deserve.