At Ashby Thelen Lowry, our Georgia traffic crash lawyers know that determining the likelihood of being involved in a traffic collision depends on various factors, including location, driving habits, road conditions, and other variables. No one gets into their car expecting to be hurt in a traffic collision, but unfortunately, it happens all too often in Georgia.
According to the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, nearly 385,000 traffic crashes were reported last year. These crashes resulted in 1,844 fatalities and approximately 250,000 combined visible and severe injuries.
Here, we discuss the different variables that can increase the likelihood of a crash.
What Factors Increase the Likelihood of Vehicle Collisions in Georgia?
Areas with higher population densities typically have more traffic congestion, increasing the likelihood of collisions. Like Atlanta and its surrounding metropolitan area, urban areas in Georgia have higher traffic crash rates than rural areas.
In addition, other factors that can increase the risk of collisions include, but are not limited to:
- Adverse weather conditions like rain, snow, fog, or high winds can reduce visibility, decrease traction, and make roads slippery.
- Road construction.
- Crumbling infrastructure, potholes, uneven pavement, lack of proper signage or lighting, and road debris create hazards and obstacles for drivers.
- Mechanical failures, tire blowouts, brake malfunctions, and other vehicle defects can lead to loss of control.
- Speeding, distracted driving, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and failure to obey traffic laws.
- Young and inexperienced drivers, as well as elderly drivers, have higher traffic collision rates than middle-aged adults due to factors like inexperience, slower reaction times, or declining cognitive abilities.
While it is impossible to predict an individual’s likelihood of being involved in a traffic collision with certainty, practicing safe driving habits, obeying traffic laws, and staying alert and attentive while driving can help reduce the risk of crashes.
If you have been injured by another driver’s negligence in Georgia, contact our skilled personal injury lawyers and support team at Ashby Thelen Lowry at (404) 777-7771 to schedule a free consultation. This will ensure your rights are protected so you can make informed decisions about the direction of your claim.