Most people know – either through news reports, second-hand observations, or first-hand experiences – that traffic accidents are a common occurrence in the U.S. and many of those result in serious injury or death. In 2015, over 35,000 people lost their lives in a car accident, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Car accident statistics in Georgia are just as concerning. Of the 385,221 crashes that occurred in 2015, 19,405 resulted in serious injuries, and 1,430 resulted in death, according to the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety in Georgia. Based on 2016 fatal crash statistics, the state has some of the deadliest roads in the country, is ranked 14th in a 24/7 Wall St. report. In 2016, there were 1,554 fatal traffic collisions in the state.
Causes of Car Accidents
Car crashes can be caused by many different factors, including driver fatigue, distracted driving, failure to obey traffic signals, speeding, and drunk driving. About 41% of the fatal accidents in Georgia were caused by speeding and alcohol-impaired driving.
External factors, such as road conditions and the types of roads an individual is driving on can also lead to an accident. In an interview with 24/7 Wall St., Russ Rader, Senior Vice President of Communications at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, reported that accidents were more likely to occur on rural roads because of the high-speed limits and trees and phone poles that line the streets.
Staying Safe on the Road
You can take measures to keep safe while driving.
Before hitting the road:
- Prepare a roadside emergency kit. The kit can include jumper cables, a first aid kit, a blanket, towels, flares, a flashlight, and bottled water.
- Check tire pressure. Over- or underinflated tires can cause a blowout or a malfunction with the tire lining, which is especially dangerous when driving at high speeds. Ensure your tires are filled with the recommended pressure.
- Know your car. Knowing how your car picks up speed and handles when taking turns can help prevent loss of vehicle control.
While driving:
- Wear seat belts. According to the CDC, using a seat belt while driving can decrease the chance of injury by 50% and the chance of death by 45% if you are involved in an accident.
- Ensure you are awake enough to drive. Driving while drowsy can increase the risk of being involved in an accident, according to the CDC. If you’re feeling tired, have someone else drive or wait until you are able to get some rest before getting behind the wheel.
- Keep attention on driving. In 2016, distracted driving resulted in nearly 3,500 traffic accident deaths. Keep your hands on the wheel, eyes on the road, and mind on driving.
- Obey traffic laws. Pay attention to road signs and traffic signals to ensure the safety of yourself and others on the road.
While the tips above can keep you safe, other drivers and unexpected obstacles can cause an accident.
In the event of an accident:
- Process what happened. Give yourself some time to take in the situation. Accidents can be shocking, and you might not be able to take the necessary steps to ensure your safety right after the accident.
- Call 911. Provide the operator with details about the accident.
- Pull off the road. If your car is still operable, drive it to a safe place away from traffic.
- Check on others. When it is safe to do so, check on other drivers, passengers, or pedestrians involved in the accident.
- Exchange contact information. Be sure to get the names of others involved in the accident, and exchange insurance information with the other driver.
- Record the scene. Take notes, photos, and videos of the scene to document the accident details.
Call Us for High-Quality Legal Representation
If you have been injured in a car accident that was caused by another driver, you may be entitled to compensation. At The Manton Law Firm, LLC, our Cumming car accident lawyer is committed to helping obtain a favorable outcome for your case. We have recovered over $50 million for accident victims and are prepared to work hard to do the same for you.
Call us at (678) 926-9208 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.