Every time we get behind the wheel, we take on a serious responsibility—not just for ourselves, but for everyone sharing the road. And yet, distracted driving continues to be one of the most dangerous and persistent threats out there.
In 2023 alone, 3,308 lives were lost in crashes involving distracted drivers. That’s an average of nine people every single day. These aren't just numbers—they're people: parents, children, friends, neighbors. Each life lost leaves behind a wake of heartbreak and devastation.
The Distraction Epidemic
What counts as distracted driving? It could be anything that takes your attention away from the road—eating, adjusting the radio, talking to passengers. But the biggest culprit by far is the smartphone.
In recent years, we've seen a rise in crash investigations involving mobile device forensics. Law enforcement and legal teams can now pull data from phones to determine exactly what the driver was doing in the moments before impact. Were they texting? Scrolling through social media? Watching a video?
In a recent case at Hasty Pope, we represented a family whose loved one was tragically killed in a collision caused by a distracted driver. Our investigation uncovered that the other driver was watching a video while driving. The data didn’t lie—and neither did the consequences. Thanks to diligent legal work and expert crash reconstruction, we helped the family secure justice and a financial settlement that reflected the true cost of the tragedy.
Technology is a Double-Edged Sword
Today’s technology can help us uncover the truth, but it can also be the very thing that causes the crash. When you’re driving, even glancing at your phone for five seconds at 55 mph means you’ve traveled the length of a football field with your eyes off the road.
We’ve handled countless cases where someone’s world was turned upside down in an instant because of a moment of distraction. From rear-end collisions on the highway to serious injuries in busy intersections, the pattern is tragically familiar. And yet, it’s completely preventable.
What You Can Do
- Put the phone down. Use "Do Not Disturb While Driving" mode or apps that block texts and calls while you're behind the wheel.
- Lead by example. Whether you're a parent, teen, or seasoned driver, your habits impact others.
- Talk to your kids. Teen drivers are particularly vulnerable. Have the conversation before handing over the keys.
- Get informed about your insurance. If you’re hit by a distracted driver, you need to know your policy covers underinsured motorists.
Our Pledge at Hasty Pope
At Hasty Pope, we don’t just represent victims of distracted driving—we fight for them. We conduct deep investigations, track down digital evidence, and take cases to trial when necessary. We’ve spent decades helping injured Georgians rebuild their lives, and we’ll keep doing it until distracted driving is no longer a threat on our roads.
If you or a loved one has been affected by distracted driving, reach out to us. We’re here to help you find the truth—and the justice you deserve.
Stay focused. Stay safe. The road deserves your full attention.