Although the number of fatal accidents in Georgia have decreased in recent years, they are still too high. According to the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, there were 1,504 traffic deaths in Georgia in 2018.
It’s important for drivers to understand what factors contribute to traffic fatalities so they can drive more carefully on the road.
What Is the Leading Cause of Fatal Car Accidents in Georgia?
According to the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT), 70% of crash fatalities are caused by unsafe driving behaviors.
Examples of unsafe driving behaviors include:
- Driving while impaired
- Driving while distracted
- Not wearing a seatbelt
- And driving too fast
Also, 59% of victims in fatal car accidents were either not wearing a seatbelt or their method of restraint was unknown. Forty-five percent of that number were identified as definitely not wearing a seatbelt.
The percentage of single- versus multi-vehicle fatal crashes in Georgia in 2018 was as follows:
- 57% were single-vehicle collisions
- 43% were multi-vehicle collisions
It’s not just motorists that are in danger in fatal car accidents, either. Out of the yearly fatalities, 17% were pedestrians.
Breaking Down the Leading Causes of Fatal Car Accidents in Georgia
“Unsafe driving conditions” in fatal car accidents can fall into a number of categories. Here are the most common ones and how they contribute to traffic deaths in Georgia.
Drunk Driving
Drunk driving alone is what leads to almost 25% of traffic deaths in Georgia. It’s also not just drinking and driving. Driving under the influence (DUI) can include being under the influence of drugs as well as alcohol.
Distracted Driving
In our modern times, there are many things to distract drivers while in their vehicles, such as:
- Texting
- Phone calls
- Videos
- GPS
- Music streaming
- And more
Eating while driving, putting on makeup, reaching for something on the floor, and other actions can leave a driver too distracted to drive safely. Even a moment of distraction can lead to a serious or even fatal accident.
Driving Over the Speed Limit
Speeding puts the driver and all other motorists on Georgia roads at risk. If the driver is driving under the influence or driving while distracted too, it makes the situation even direr. High speeds make it much harder to respond to hazardous conditions and avoid a collision.
Speeding also includes driving too fast for current conditions. For example, if there is snow or ice on the road, drivers are expected to drive at a speed appropriate for those conditions. Going the regular speed limit would be too fast for safety, in this situation.
Teenage Drivers
Teen drivers actually cause more accidents than any other group. Drivers between the ages of 16 and 19 are just not as experienced as adult drivers, which makes them more prone to mistakes on the road.
Teens are also more likely to drive while distracted, drink and drive, or speed. This greatly increases the risk of fatal car accidents.
Not Wearing a Seatbelt
Although failing to wear a seatbelt does not directly cause fatal car accidents, it may help prevent serious injuries or deaths. This may explain the high percentage of drivers who died in accidents while not wearing their seatbelts.
Other Causes of Fatal Accidents
While the other points explain the majority of serious traffic accidents, they are not the only factors. Other causes of fatal car accidents include:
- Driving while fatigued
- Changing lanes aggressively
- Following too closely
- Low visibility
- Slippery roads
- Inattentiveness
Georgia Car Accident Fatalities Are Preventable
Many, many accident deaths could be prevented if drivers were more responsible on the roads. If you were injured or a loved one was killed in a car accident in Georgia, you should not have to pay for the other driver’s negligence.
Georgia law is on your side. The at-fault party in an accident is responsible for all damages, including the victim’s medical costs and pain and suffering. Hiring a car accident lawyer can help you fight for your legal rights and the compensation you deserve.
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Were You Affected By a Fatal Car Accident in Georgia?
At John Foy & Associates, we believe you should not have to pay a dime for another driver’s poor decisions. We have been helping car accident victims and their families recover the money they need and deserve after such a traumatic event. We can help you, too—starting with a FREE consultation.
During your FREE consultation, we’ll go over the details of the accident and how we can help. Call us today or contact us online to get started.
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