Hands-Free Law Improving Accident Numbers: Snellville Police

SNELLVILLE, GA — The Snellville Police Department reported that the new hands free law is already causing a positive impact on accident numbers.

In a Facebook post, the police said, "Last month we worked 130 traffic accidents. 89 of those accidents occurred on the roadway and 41 on private property. Last year in July we worked 176 accidents, 120 roadway and 56 private property. In June of this year, one month before the new law took effect, we worked 181 accidents, 117 roadway and 64 private property."

Police said they issued 93 citations last month for improper use of a telecommunication device. In all of 2017 they issued 81 citations for texting/unsafe use of cell phone.

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While the new law will allow drivers to use hands-free technology to make and receive phone calls and use GPS devices, drivers cannot at any time use their phones to write, read and send text messages, emails, social media and internet data. The use of voice-to-text technology is allowed, however.

Drivers are also prohibited from watching and/or recording videos (though GPS and navigational videos and continuously running dash cameras are allowed). You will be able to listen to music through streaming apps on your phone, but you can not activate that app or change music using your device while driving. Music streaming apps programmed and controlled through a vehicle's radio system are allowed. However, you should note that watching videos through music apps are prohibited.

Drivers can use their phones only during emergencies to report an accident, medical emergency, crime, fire or hazardous road conditions. Those who are exempt from the law are employees or contractors of a utility service provider acting within the scope of their employment while responding to a utility emergency and first responders (law enforcement, fire, EMS) while carrying out their official duties.

The law also allows phone use if a vehicle is legally parked, but this does not include vehicles that are stopped at traffic signals or stop signs. In other words, responding to text messages or calls while sitting in traffic is illegal.

Penalties for the law are $50 and one point on a license for the first conviction; $100 and two points on a license for a second conviction; and $150 and three points on a license for a third and subsequent convictions.

You can learn more information about the Hands-Free Law by visiting the website dedicated to the legislation.

Patch Editor Kristal Dixon contributed to this reporting.
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