Despite earlier criticism from top Republicans, a bill is now set to pass the state Legislature that would ban people in Georgia from holding their cellphones while driving in most situations.
Fifteen other states have laws like the one Georgia legislators are considering, and based on data from those states, supporters of the bill (HB 673) estimate if it becomes law, driving fatalities would drop by 20 percent annually, amounting to 300 lives.
“Texting and driving, distracted driving, is an unacceptable behavior and will not be accepted in this state,” said Harris Blackwood, director of the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety.
Natalie Bacho said her daughter was killed by someone driving and using a phone.
“The passage of House Bill 673 into law will save lives and families from having to live the life that we do today. No one is immune,” Bacho said.
