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Beginning July 1st, the Hands-Free Georgia Act goes into effect, prohibiting drivers from using holding or using a phone while driving. Technically, the law specifies that a driver cannot be holding a phone, but they can talk if they are using a hands-free headset. If answering a call requires more than one swipe or one press of a button, doing so would be prohibited under the new law. The law aims to combat the rising problem of distracted driving, which has led to an increase in traffic accidents and fatalities. Unfortunately, the law comes too late for one infant, who was seriously injured in a distracted driving accident. WSB TV reports on the story.
A May 18th crash said to be the fault of a distracted driver has left a 7-month-old with serious injuries and the possibility of a lifelong disability.
Ceann Copeland, the baby’s mother had just dropped off an older sibling at West Manor Elementary School. Another driver veered into her lane on Lynhurst Drive and struck her vehicle head-on. The impact caused her vehicle to spin around three times. Her infant, who was secured in an infant car seat, broke every vertebra in his neck.
Nolan Copeland has had several surgeries since to repair the damage to his neck and his spine. According to his mother, he will likely not be able to play contact sports and is not expected to develop a full range of motion in his neck.
Witnesses stated that the driver, a 20-year-old who was not identified, admitted to being on his phone prior to the crash.
Atlanta Police are investigating the crash, but it is not clear whether any charges have been filed.
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