Unfortunately, each year thousands of Georgians are hurt or killed in auto accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration, Atlanta roadways are among the most dangerous in the country. In fact, in 2013, I-285 had the most fatal accidents per mile than any other interstate. Georgia was also the seventh-worst state in the country for fatal car accidents in 2013, totaling 1,085, but Texas ultimately took the lead that year with 3,044.
Let’s take a deeper dive into some of Georgia’s auto accident statistics and discuss ways in which you can decrease your chances of a car accident.
A BRIEF OVERVIEW OF GEORGIA AUTO ACCIDENTS
According to the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, Georgia traffic fatalities increased dramatically in 2015 after steadily declining since 2006. In 2016, there were 1,554 fatalities in motor vehicle crashes, which was a 2.7% increase from 2015. Of these accidents, impaired driving killed 368 people and 266 were caused by speeding. Shockingly, 476 fatality accidents were caused by not wearing a seatbelt, which was up 15.85% from 2015.
And since 2010, the number of serious injuries has increased with 15.5 serious traffic injuries in Georgia for every 100 million vehicle miles traveled in 2016. Most fatality crashes in 2016 were single-vehicle accidents, followed by accidents involving a roadway departure. Only 179 fatal crashes in 2016 were caused by large trucks.
Of all the counties in Georgia, Fulton County ranked as having the most accident fatalities in 2016, with 129 recorded. This was followed by Dekalb County, which had 80 in 2016.
Most fatality accidents in Georgia occur in a passenger car, followed by a light pickup truck, light utility truck, and vans. Motorcyclists account for 11% of all fatal accidents while pedestrian accidents account for 15%.
HOW TO PREVENT AN ACCIDENT IN GEORGIA
After reading these harrowing statistics, you may be wondering how you can avoid getting into an accident and becoming a statistic yourself. Ultimately, the best ways to prevent injury or fatality auto accidents are to follow traffic patterns, keep a safe distance from the car in front of you, and to not drive recklessly. Drive cautiously during inclement weather and ensure that all the parts on your vehicle, especially your brake lights and mirrors are working properly.
Although you can’t control other drivers on the road, you can control how safe you drive.
Have you been in a serious auto accident in Georgia? Were your injuries the result of another person’s negligence? Call the Fry Law Team, personal injury attorneys, today at (404) 948-3571 to schedule a free legal consultation.
