What is considered a diversion from the act of driving according to Georgia law?

In Georgia law, a diversion from the act of driving is understood as any activity that takes a driver's attention away from the critical task of operating the vehicle safely. Eating or drinking while driving can significantly distract a driver, as it requires the use of hands and can lead to divided attention, thus impacting the driver's ability to react to road conditions or make necessary maneuvers.

This activity can create physical distractions, such as reaching for food or beverages, and cognitive distractions, as the driver may become focused on managing their meal rather than concentrating on the road and traffic conditions. For this reason, eating or drinking while behind the wheel is regarded as a serious form of distraction in the context of driving laws.

On the other hand, changing lanes or controlling the vehicle's speed are actions that are typically part of safe driving practices and do not inherently constitute a diversion from driving. Similarly, listening to podcasts can be perceived as a background activity that does not significantly divert attention from driving as long as it does not distract the driver excessively.