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WSB’s Pete Combs on a ride along with Marietta police: New Hands-Free Law is working

The first numbers are coming in, and it looks like Georgia’s new Hands-Free Law is saving lives.

In July last year, statewide, there were 136 wrecks where cell phones were a factor. WSB Radio’s Pete Combs reports that after the law went into effect, that number was down to 107.

The law does not just apply to texting or talking on the phone, The AJC’s Amanda C. Coyne reports. You cannot go through your Spotify playlist, browse Twitter, play Candy Crush or take a selfie on Snapchat unless you’re lawfully parked.

The law bans the phone from touching any part of the driver’s body, even when stopped at a stop sign or red light.

You can adjust a GPS app or device while driving.

In Gwinnett County, the first violation comes with a $50 ticket and one point on your license. The penalty for a second violation is a $100 fine and two points on your license, and the third violation carries a $150 fine and additional points on your license.

During a ride-along in Marietta, Police Officer Jared Rakestraw tells WSB’s Pete Combs the state’s new hands-free law does seem to be working.

The number of accidents involving cell phones last month, when the law went into effect, was 27 percent lower than a year ago.

And that is why Rakestraw says he is still out here – looking for cell phones.

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