Any time you head out on the road, there are several hazards you need to watch out for in order to keep yourself and your passengers safe. Atlanta has been ranked as the most dangerous city for fatalities on I-75 and I-85 was ranked number 15 in the 25 deadliest highways in the USA, with an alarming average of 0.57 deaths per mile.
Too many people who operate cars and large commercial vehicles such as trucks and tractor-trailers on the streets and highways of Georgia fail to exercise reasonable care to ensure the safety of other motorists. This means you have to be a defensive driver, and awareness of the top 3 causes of car crashes in the state can help you and your loved ones get home safely.
1. Distracted Driving
Thanks to the popularity of smartphones, the number one cause of accidents is distracted driving. Texting behind the wheel has fueled a spike in motor vehicle fatalities in Georgia over the past three years. According to the National Safety Council, these deaths increased by 33% in the state between 2014 and 2016, more than twice the national average of 14%.
Although it’s the biggest one, texting isn’t the only form of distracted driving. Talking on a hand-held phone, surfing the net, checking the GPS, eating, and putting on makeup have all caused otherwise preventable car accidents.
2. Drinking and Driving
According to the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, alcohol was a factor in 24% of all driving fatalities within the state in 2016. Impaired driving results in disastrous actions such as:
- Exceeding the speed limit
- Driving the wrong way
- Cutting across lanes into oncoming traffic
Accidents involving alcohol are four times more likely to happen at night when darkness has even more of an impairing effect on vision.
Fatal Accidents Involving Drunk Persons: Marietta vs The State of Georgia
3. Speeding
Speeding continues to present a major risk to the health and safety of motorists and their passengers, which is why it remains a factor in nearly one-third of all Georgia motor vehicle fatalities. High-velocity driving both increases the risk of a crash and the force of the consequent impact.
Alcohol, inattention, or an urgency to get somewhere causes people to exceed the posted speed limit or drive at a speed that is unsafe under the circumstances. For example, a posted speed limit of 60 may be too risky during a rainstorm or foggy weather. If you need to hit the brakes to avoid an accident, a buildup of rainwater on the pavement could cause you to hydroplane instead.
Contact a Georgia Personal Injury Attorney
If you or someone you love has been injured in a car crash in Georgia, you may be able to file a personal injury claim for the losses and damages suffered. To ensure that you get the maximum compensation for your case, reach out to the dedicated Georgia car accident attorneys at Georgia Injury Advocates. We have the experience, knowledge, and resources needed to effectively pursue your claim. To arrange a consultation, call us today at (770) 766-0555.
GA Injury Advocates
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