As the pandemic slows down, Georgia continues to notice an increase in accidents on roads. Data provided by Georgia State Patrol shows a 27% increase in car collisions this year. Atlanta transportation director Josh Rowan says that this increase in fatalities may open more opportunities for government agencies to integrate technology and infrastructure innovations or raise awareness of driving habits.
Georgia’s Increasing Fatalities Due To Car Collision
The city of Atlanta has put up advanced red light and speed cameras in some intersections and on some busy roads in the past. However, with the pandemic slowing down, Rowan says that the government should think of other advancements to make Atlanta’s road safety better.
While there is no definite answer as to what innovations would benefit drivers, Rowan emphasizes that people should drive more defensively because of an increase in road deaths.
Being involved in a car collision is a possibility, no matter how careful a driver is. Having an Atlanta Injury Lawyer on your side is a great way to be prepared. Collision victims have legal rights, and lawyers can help you understand how to gain compensation for your injuries.
This being said, the city of Atlanta has a few tips for drivers to maintain road safety:
- Clean off cars and increase the visibility of license plates
- Take more breaks on long trips to prevent exhaustion
- Avoid distractions such as cell phones or loud music that can lead to car accidents
- Increase following distance between cars to avoid collisions
- Check traffic conditions before driving
- If possible, carpool or use public transportation to help reduce the number of vehicles on the road
Improvements On Road Safety As The Pandemic Slows Down
Road and infrastructure renovations may also be a way to improve the safety of travel during this time. Consequently, Atlanta’s Transportation Department is planning on investing money into quality road projects that will provide a better option for drivers and pedestrians alike.
Atlanta is one of many cities across America working to make changes in infrastructure design to make it safer for those who use the roads as pedestrians or drivers.
While improvements in infrastructure and technology will help make transportation safer, it is up to the people on our roadways to drive more carefully and be aware of their surroundings. It will also decrease traffic accidents and fatalities, which are much needed during these challenging times.
Getting familiar with the most common car accidents will help you understand the legal process should you ever be involved in an accident.
Roads are dangerous places, especially after the pandemic slows down. Making sure to take extra precautions while driving could help save your life or someone else’s. Navigating Atlanta roads can be challenging, but people must continue to do their part in maintaining an environment that is safe for drivers and pedestrians alike.
Common Cause Of Car Collisions Leading To Fatalities
Some of the most common car collisions that cause injuries or death are:
Rear-end collision occurs when the driver of the back maneuvers into the lane of moving traffic without enough time to react. The result is often devastating for both drivers and passengers in the cars.
T-bone collision happens when a vehicle runs straight through an intersection and crashes into another car speeding in the other direction. This usually results in severe injuries and even deaths for those involved.
A head-on collision occurs when two cars are traveling at a high rate of speed head towards each other, resulting in significant damage and fatalities.
Side impact collisions occur when a vehicle crashes into another side, often resulting in severe damage and injuries for passengers. The most common side-impact collisions happen when a car hits another car head-on while changing lanes, resulting in whiplash injuries and other long-term effects.
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
People are more likely to make rash decisions or be distracted while operating a car under the influence of drugs and alcohol.
- Driving without headlights at night
Vehicles need to have their headlights on during low visibility, such as dusk and dawn, or nighttime conditions. Cars with no lights are less visible, and drivers may not see them until too late.
- Driving without a seat belt
People who do not wear a seat belt are more likely to be ejected from the vehicle during a crash and suffer serious injuries or fatalities.
- Speeding and racing
Drivers who speed and race can lose control of their vehicles and cause massive damage to other people’s property and injure other drivers.
- Lack of car maintenance (which leads to broken parts like tires, headlights, and windshield wipers)
Broken parts that are not properly maintained can lead to car accidents, hitting pedestrians or other vehicles.
- Negligent driving resulting in fatalities is often caused by one or more of the above.
While many factors play into road safety, it is best to be aware of these common causes of accidents to keep yourself and others safe.
Regular car maintenance will help you avoid accidents that could lead to death or injury. Driving responsibly is the key to keeping everyone on Atlanta roads safe, whether pedestrians or drivers.
What You Can Do To Prevent Accidents:
- If possible, avoid driving in bad weather or at night when visibility is low. Make sure to check the weather before leaving and drive slowly on slick roads.
- Do not drive under the influence of drugs/alcohol.
- Make sure that your headlights are turned on day or night.
- Do not speed or engage in reckless driving behaviors.
Final words
Despite the global pandemic slowing down, car accidents are still a significant contributor to fatalities on Atlanta roads. To stay safe, be aware of your surroundings and try to avoid being in a high-risk situation.
