Our Atlanta car crash and injury attorneys know Georgia attracts more than 1.3 million international visitors annually. Tourism, a $63 billion industry for the state, drives significant business growth and increases revenue for Georgian companies.
With a mixture of coastline and the Appalachian Mountains, a vast array of shopping and dining options, world-renowned arts and culture, with museums, theaters, concert venues and festivals, and unlimited outdoor activities such as paddling scenic waterways, hiking hundreds of kilometers of trails, or playing a round on courses designed by golfing legends, summer vacation travel here can lead to serious vehicle collisions in Georgia.
Here, we discuss some significant factors that increase traffic crashes throughout Georgia.
Increased Traffic Volume Can Lead to Catastrophic Crashes in Georgia
Summer is a peak travel season, with more people hitting the roads for vacations, family visits, and recreational activities. In addition, Georgia attracts tourists to destinations like Atlanta, Savannah, and coastal areas, leading to higher traffic congestion.
Summer events, festivals, and outdoor activities also increase road traffic in unfamiliar areas, leading to confusion, potential wrong turns, sudden lane changes, or increasing the risk of distraction to focus on smartphones for navigation or communication.
The increase in traffic poses an inherent risk to residents and visitors alike on highways, city streets, and neighborhoods throughout the state.
Vacationers Drive Great Lengths to Visit Georgia
Long hours on the road can lead to driver fatigue, which reduces reaction times and increases the likelihood of crashes. Drivers may speed up their travel to their vacation spots sooner, particularly if running behind schedule, leading to fatigue and placing their focus elsewhere.
Traveling with family or friends can also lead to distractions from conversations, children, or pets in the vehicle. Further, extended miles behind the wheel on highways and rural roads can tempt drivers to exceed speed limits, increasing the severity of collisions.
Finally, summer vacations often involve social gatherings where alcohol or drugs are consumed, leading to an increase in impaired driving incidents caused by compromised abilities and judgment.
Summer Specific Events Can Lead to Serious Crashes
Summer vacation means school is out, leading to more inexperienced teen drivers who may lack the skills to handle complex driving situations.
Other summertime road dangers that drivers often overlook may include:
- Road construction and maintenance can lead to detours, lane closures, and construction zones that confuse drivers and cause collisions.
- Sudden thunderstorms, heavy rain, and high winds can reduce visibility and make roads slippery.
- High temperatures can lead to tire blowouts, overheating vehicles, and heat-related driver fatigue.
- Due to their size and weight, more interaction with commercial vehicles like trucks and buses can lead to more severe crashes.
- More motorcycles and bicycles are on the road, increasing the risk of collisions with larger vehicles.
- Holiday weekends such as Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day significantly increase road traffic, leading to congestion and a higher likelihood of collisions.
If you have been involved in a collision caused by a negligent driver in Georgia—no matter what time of year—contact our skilled Atlanta personal injury lawyers and support team at Ashby Thelen Lowry at (404) 777-7771 to schedule a free consultation. This initial step will ensure your rights are protected and enable you to make informed decisions about the direction of your claim.
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