Global Positioning Systems (GPS) used to be a thing for only NASA and the United States Military. Today, virtually everyone has GPS navigation technology in some form, whether it is built right into your car or smartphone. In fact, millions of Americans rely on their GPS daily to get from point A to point B.
However, using GPS can be tragically dangerous, as illustrated by a recent case that occurred in Atlanta last month.
Mr. King Fareed (Fareed), a North Carolina resident, was focused on his GPS navigation system while driving near the Atlanta airport. Following the instructions of his GPS, Fareed made an illegal U-turn into oncoming traffic – directly in the path of motorcyclist Jamel Houseworth (Houseworth). Fareed struck and killed Houseworth with his vehicle, and Houseworth’s surviving family members filed a wrongful death suit against Fareed.
This unfortunate situation has not only led to a civil suit, according to a local news report, Fareed is being charged with involuntary manslaughter, among other charges, for his illegal U-turn and improper use of an electronic device while driving.
Under Georgia law, any person who unintentionally causes the death of another by violating certain provisions of the Georgia Code (in this case, improper U-turn and use of a telecommunications device) is guilty of vehicular homicide. The punishment for vehicular homicide, alone, is up to a $1,000 fine and 12 months in jail. See Section 40-6-393(c), Georgia Code.
Despite the convenience and popularity of GPS navigation systems, the above case demonstrates the necessity of not letting them distract you while driving, and always obeying Georgia’s uniform traffic laws and posted road signs – no matter what your GPS tells you to do.
If you have been in a car or motorcycle accident, it is always best to hire an attorney to represent you – especially if you have sustained injures. An attorney can help you to maximize your recovery and better defend you against liability if you’re at fault. The personal Injury attorneys at Murphy & Garner, LLC have decades of experience in auto accident cases. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, call the associates at Murphy & Garner today for a free consultation at 678-563-1584.
