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■ Third and subsequent conviction — $150 and three points

Why the Law Was Enacted

Driver distraction is a major contributor to road accidents, and it’s more than just mobile phones. The latest cars have “infotainment systems” that control your radio, heat and air-conditioning systems, and GPS-based navigation systems, to name just a few. They also provide you with more information about what’s going on with your car and your trip. The result is that their use takes up a lot of the driver’s attention. There has been a significant increase in vehicular traffic crashes, fatalities and bodily injury with the vast majority in rear-end crashes, single-car crashes and crashes by 15-to-25year-old drivers. This increase has been attributed to the use of cell phones by drivers.

■ The U.S. Department of Transportation has reported that cellphones are involved in 1.6 million auto crashes that cause 500,000 injuries and take 6,000 lives annually.

■ According to the National Traffic Safety Administration, 11 percent of drivers are talking on their phones at any given time.

■ The Virginia Tech Transportation Institute estimates that texting while driving is six times more likely to cause an accident than driving while intoxicated.

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By contrast, 15 states that have hands-free driving laws showed a 16 percent decrease in traffic fatalities in the two years after the law was passed. While Georgia already had a law prohibiting texting while driving, it was difficult to enforce because it was legal to hold or support a phone. That’s all changed.

How to Follow the Law

■ Program your navigation app or in-car GPS before you start driving. If you’re using a phone, mount it on the dashboard so you can clearly see it and the road ahead. If you need to make changes, pull over and park first.

■ Turn off your phone or use built-in apps that preclude use while moving. Most phones have settings to generate automated responses to texts and phone calls that let others know you’re driving. If the phone receives calls, emails and texts that can’t wait until you reach your destination, find a safe place to park and respond.

■ You can go hands-free if you have to make or receive phone calls. Most phones have built-in assistants (like I-phone’s Siri) to access your contact list by voice to make a call, and a single push-button or slider to answer a call. You’ll need to have your phone’s speaker turned on, and you’ll need to turn down your radio volume. It’s not ideal, but it works.

■ The best solution is to connect your phone to your car’s sound system through Bluetooth. Most new cars have this technology built in, and many auto manufacturers give you the ability to use a system designed specifically for your Apple or Android phone. Bluetooth systems also can be added to any car. Businesses that install aftermarket automotive sound systems should be able to advise you on a system that meets your needs, install it and explain how to use it. If you’re not sure how to set up your phone to work with your car, call a trusted technology consultant or visit your car dealer.

Gene Rubel, the Digital Device Doctor, cures digital anxiety for seniors and home/home-office users. A graduate of Harvard Business School, “Doctor Gene” spent more than 30 years in international business. He can be reached at generubel@gmail.com.

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Residents must be 62 years of age or older. Some units have special features for mobility and sensory impaired persons. Income limitations are determined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Residents pay 30 percent of their adjusted income for rent. Gross income must not exceed $24,400.00 for one person and $27,900.00 for two persons.