PCI Issues Statement on Hands-Free Georgia Act

ATLANTA, Georgia, May 3 -- The Property Casualty Insurers Association of America issued the following statement by Logan McFaddin, regional manager of state government relations, in support of legislation (H.B. 673) that would ban using a cellphone while driving unless drivers have a hands-free device:

"PCI is a proud supporter of HB 673 to protect motorists, passengers, and pedestrians on Georgia roads. We commend Rep. John Carson, Gov. Nathan Deal, and Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle for supporting this important auto safety legislation.

"Vehicle crashes and fatalities are rising sharply in Georgia. Distracted driving is a leading cause of auto crashes, not just in Georgia but nationwide. Statistics show that simple changes in driver behavior can make a big difference in improving road safety, saving lives, and controlling insurance costs for consumers. Strong auto safety laws and enforcement are an important step in combatting a growing distracted driving epidemic that is endangering everyone on the road.

"We encourage other states to pass similar laws as distracted driving continues to be a major problem across the country. Now is the time to protect the ones we love by passing life-saving legislation."