Our Atlanta car accident lawyers offer safe driving tips

Car accidents happen every day in Atlanta and other major cities across the country. Even worldwide, motor vehicle accidents remain one of the leading causes of death, accounting for more than one million fatalities each year on average, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

In recent years, safety experts have been educating drivers about the dangers they face on the road and encouraging safe driving habits.

August has been designated National Traffic Awareness Month, which “aims to shed light on the safety rules that can help prevent major or minor accidents from taking place,” according to National Today.

So, how bad are car accidents in Atlanta and the rest of Georgia? Why do so many car crashes happen? And what can drivers do to keep themselves and other road users safe? Our experienced Atlanta car accident attorneys at the Law Offices of Gary Martin Hays & Associates, P.C. explain.

How bad are car accidents in Georgia?

The short answer? Pretty bad. According to the most recent data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Georgia had 1,797 car accident fatalities in 2022.

That figure is the second-highest death toll in the state in more than a decade. The only year since 2013 that more people died in car crashes in Georgia was 2021, when 1,809 people lost their lives in motor vehicle accidents.

Are car crashes a serious problem in Atlanta?

Atlanta has its fair share of serious and fatal car accidents. In 2022, a total of 160 people died in car accidents in Fulton County, which includes Atlanta, according to the most recent NHTSA car accident data.

The 2022 car accident death toll for Fulton County was the highest in at least five years, according to NHTSA data. Anyone who regularly drives in Atlanta knows how dangerous the city’s streets can sometimes be.

Why do car accidents happen in Atlanta?

There are several reasons why car accidents often occur in Atlanta and communities across Georgia, including:

• Speeding. In 2022, speeding drivers caused 44 car accident fatalities in Fulton County and 422 deaths in Georgia.
• Drunk drivers. Driving under the influence of alcohol resulted in 54 deaths in Fulton County and 507 fatalities in Georgia in 2022.

While exact numbers are not available, other common contributing car accident factors include:

• Distracted driving, especially texting while driving.
• Drowsy driving or falling asleep at the wheel.
• Aggressive or reckless driving, such as tailgating or changing lanes without warning.

What safe driving habits should drivers practice on the road?

Fortunately, it’s not all bad news. There are many things drivers can do to make our roads safer, such as:

Focus only on driving while behind the wheel

Distractions such as texting, talking on the phone, eating, or adjusting the radio can significantly increase the risk of an accident. To ensure safety for yourself and others, it's essential to keep your eyes on the road, hands on the wheel, and mind focused on driving.

Slow down and obey posted speed limits

Speeding reduces a driver’s ability to react to sudden changes and increases the severity of injuries in crashes. Adhering to speed limits and adjusting your speed according to road conditions, traffic, and weather can significantly reduce the risk of accidents.

Never drive drunk or under the influence of other drugs

Alcohol and drugs impair critical driving skills, including reaction time, coordination, and judgment. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that every day, 29 people in the United States die in motor vehicle crashes that involve an alcohol-impaired driver. Always plan for a designated driver or use public transportation if you are under the influence.

Share the road with other drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians

Respecting all road users by giving them the space they need can prevent many accidents. The NHTSA highlights the importance of yielding to pedestrians at crosswalks and giving cyclists enough space when passing. Awareness and patience can help protect vulnerable road users and reduce collisions.

Pull over if you feel too tired to drive

Drowsy driving is as dangerous as drunk driving. The National Sleep Foundation found that driving while drowsy is similar to driving with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08%, the legal limit. If you feel sleepy, find a safe place to pull over and rest before continuing your journey.

Keep a safe following distance

Tailgating is a leading cause of rear-end collisions. The general rule of thumb is to maintain at least a three-second following distance under normal conditions and increase this distance in poor weather or heavy traffic. This allows adequate time to react if the vehicle in front stops suddenly.

We hold negligent drivers accountable

Car accident claims and lawsuits in Atlanta can quickly turn into complicated legal cases because there’s often a lot at stake for everyone involved.

An insurance company would rather fight your claim and pay you as little as possible or nothing at all than pay you the money you rightfully deserve for your medical bills, lost wages, and other accident-related expenses.

Our experienced Atlanta car accident lawyers know how to handle complex legal cases. For years, we have been helping injured motorists get the money they rightfully deserve.

Our case results speak for themselves: More than $1 billion for Georgia families, including a $21.6 million verdict in a motor vehicle accident.

Learn more about your potential legal options by contacting us and scheduling a free case evaluation. We have eight offices conveniently located throughout Georgia.