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Georgia expects to enact a hands-free driving bill

Georgia expects to enact a hands-free driving bill
Georgia expects to enact a hands-free driving bill
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LOWNDES COUNTY, Ga. (WALB) - Georgia lawmakers want to increase safety on the road, but at what cost to you?

The Peach State is expected to join 15 others in enacting a hands-free driving bill.

The Lowndes County Sheriff says the bill is necessary.

At one point in time, when you entered a car, all you could do was drive.

But in today's time, it's common to see drivers with a cell-phone permanently attached to their hand.

But as of Thursday night, the Georgia House of Representatives proposed a bill that would prevent drivers from being able to hold their cellphones at all while behind the wheel.

If signed by Governor Nathan Deal, the 'Hands-free' bill would fine first time offenders caught driving with their phones--$50.

That fine would increase with every infraction.

Offenders can avoid fines by proving in court that they have purchased a hands-free device.

In a recent poll done by Triple A, 45 percent admit they've read messages while driving and 35 percent say they sent one.

All the bill needs, is the govenor's signature.

If and when that happens, law enforcement will receive a grace period before having to enforce it. 

Proponents say drivers who look at their phones are largely responsible for a recent spike in fatal crashes in Georgia and the resulting rise in auto insurance premiums.