Whether you live in central Georgia or were just passing through, if you were injured in a motor vehicle accident in Georgia, make sure your personal injury lawyer investigates beyond the usual laws.
Going the speed limit in the fast lane.
You may think it’s common knowledge that the left lane on the highway, interstate, or expressway is designated as the passing lane. But some people get comfortable in the left lane and linger in it, despite the cars speeding up on their bumper. It turns out you can get pulled over in the fast lane even if you’re going the speed limit. Either speed up or move over.
Not moving over for emergency and assistance vehicles.
For the safety of the emergency personnel, police, or road workers pulled over at the side of the road, it’s state law to move over to the other lane. An increase in deaths during routine traffic stops is what conceived this law in the first place.
If traffic is too heavy, making it impossible to move over, then state law requires you to slow down to at least 10 mph below the speed limit. If you are unable to do this, then be prepared to stop completely until you can merge into the other lane.
Driving with headphones in your ears.
With recent laws making driving while on the phone hands-free, the use of headphones has increased. Just make sure that you have at least one ear free from the device because it’s illegal to drive with both earbuds in.
Distracted driving is one of the highest causes of automobile accidents in Georgia and headphones can impair hearing while operating a motor vehicle.
Drinking and driving…literally.
Believe it or not, this law isn’t common knowledge. Oftentimes, people will get pulled over for having an open alcoholic beverage. Even if it’s the passenger, and not the driver, who has the open beverage, police can still issue a ticket.
Texting at a red light.
The no texting and driving law applies even when you are stopped at a red light. Many people believe that it’s okay as long as the vehicle isn’t moving, but I’ve personally seen people miss a light because they aren’t paying attention to traffic lights and instead have their nose in their phone.
Not having headlights on when it’s raining.
I’ll admit it, I was pulled over for this one and I don’t even live in Georgia. At the time, I didn’t even know it was a state law. Luckily for me, I was given a warning.
Stormy and rainy conditions can impair vision. It’s important to have your lights on, not only so that you can see, but so that other drivers can see you, too.
Ignoring traffic laws on your bicycle.
Little known fact: when you’re on a bicycle, the rules of the road apply to you as well. This means you must stop at red lights and ride on the right side of the road.
Obstructing your license plate.
In Georgia, your tags must be completely uncovered and unobstructed by frames or covers. Sometimes, drivers will try to cover their license plate in an attempt to keep traffic cameras from recording their plate number if they’ve run a red light or if they were speeding.
Bonus: You can’t drive through a playground in Dublin, Georgia.
Feeling capricious in Dublin, Georgia? It is illegal to zig-zag through that jungle gym, as tempting as it may be.
Ignorance of the law is no excuse
Ultimately, laws are in place to protect ourselves and the people surrounding us. Drivers who caused accidents are not let off the hook because they weren’t aware they were breaking a law, no matter obscure it may be. Knowing and abiding by them can mean the difference between saving a life and losing one.
If you were injured in a motor vehicle accident in Georgia, make sure your lawyer knows the right strategies for helping you get the full and fair compensation you are entitled to.
