Alabama Man Faces Distracted Driving Charges for Eating Hamburger While Driving
An Alabama resident faces distracted driving charges in Cobb County, Georgia, after a police officer pulled him over for eating a hamburger in his vehicle.
Madison Turner says he went through a McDonald’s drive-thru and ordered a double quarter pounder with cheese, which he then – as many of us do with drive-thru fast food – consumed the burger while driving. A police officer in Cobb County then pulled Turner over and ticketed him with “eating while driving,” a specific part of Cobb County’s distracted driving laws.
“The officer explained to me that he observed me eating a burger for 2 miles,” Turner said. “He said specifically three times, you can’t just go down the road eating a hamburger.”
“Even though I was not exceeding the speed limit or driving erratically,” Turner continued. “Maybe I was enjoying the burger too much I needed to tone it down. I was certainly willing to do so but I didn’t expect to be fined or punished.”
Distracted driving charges for eating while driving under distracted driving laws are unusual, but eating while driving is a form of distracted driving. Most states are concerned about drivers talking on their phones, or texting or using social media while driving – a practice that kills as many US citizens every year as drunk driving. However, any form of distracted driving should be a concern.
The specific Cobb County law reads, in part: “A driver shall exercise due care in operating a motor vehicle on the highways of this state and shall not engage in any actions which shall distract such driver from the safe operation of such vehicle.” Removing one hand from the steering wheel in order to eat, or taking your eyes off the road while consuming food, is a form of distracted driving and can be dangerous.
Distracted Driving Accident Litigation in South Carolina
It is a common occurrence to see distracted drivers cruising down South Carolina and Georgia roads and interstates. Whether the distraction is eating, putting on makeup, talking on a cellphone, or even just daydreaming, the effects of a S.C. distracted driving accident can result in life altering and even deadly consequences. If you were in a car accident caused by a distracted driver, you need to hire a South Carolina distracted driving attorney to protect your legal rights.
Distracted driving includes:
- texting and driving
- talking on a cell phone
- eating and drinking
- talking to passengers
- grooming or putting on makeup
- reading books, newspapers, or even a map
- using a PDA or navigation system
- watching a video or playing on a computer or tablet
- playing with the radio, a CD or an iPod
The Strom Law Firm Helps Those Injured by Distracted Drivers
If you have been injured by a distracted driver, the South Carolina distracted driving accident attorneys at the Strom Law Firm, L.L.C. will fight for fair compensation for your injuries. Our South Carolina car accident lawyers are prepared to fight for compensation in the courtroom and will defend your right to compensation for your past and future medical bills, lost wages and future earnings, your pain and suffering, and, in the event of a fatal car accident, even wrongful death. Our attorneys offer free, confidential consultations to discuss the facts of your personal injury case for distracted driving, so contact us today. 803.252.4800.
