Sinkholes Continued to Be a Problem For Georgia Drivers
The Atlanta I-85 Bridge Collapse was one of the most publicized roadway failures in United States history. The public is now aware that the root cause of the Atlanta I-85 Bridge Collapse catastrophe was human negligence. However, the public may not be aware of another hidden and potentially more serious roadway event - sinkholes.
Sinkholes are rare events. Most drivers do not expect a sudden road condition such as a sinkhole to present itself while driving. However, an increase in the frequency of sinkholes has been noted by news stories throughout the state. The increasing numbers of sinkholes throughout the state are believed to be caused by defective sewer systems and water lines. A sinkhole can develop in a matter of days, making it hard to assign blame in the event of a roadway collapse due to a sinkhole.
On April 15, 2017, a sinkhole opened up under 5th Street between Cypress and West Peachtree in Midtown Atlanta. Officials immediately closed the road, and thankfully, no injuries were reported. The sinkhole opened up, causing traffic delays and motorists searching for detours around the intersection. The problem left officials scrambling to figure out why the hole opened up. Water system officials conducted a series of dye tests designed to determine whether there were any leaks in the water pipes in the area. The test results were negative. Other infrastructure tests were scheduled to try to figure out why the huge hole opened up on the road.
On May 27, 2017, WAGT reported that another sinkhole opened up on Central Avenue in Augusta, Georgia, swallowing a garbage truck. Thankfully, no one was injured as a result of the accident. Abie Ladson of Augusta-Richmond County Engineering stated that sinkholes in Augusta are not uncommon. "We get sinkholes quite a bit, but not to this magnitude," said Ladson. According to Tom Wiedmeier, the sinkhole was caused by a defective storm or sanitary sewer due to dirt flowing into the pipes.
Sinkholes are a serious issue that can cause serious accidents, especially to motorcyclists. Montlick & Associates reminds drivers to be aware of the possibilities of sinkholes and to be on the lookout for all roadway hazards. Be sure to pay attention to the road conditions ahead. This safe driving tip could help you avoid a serious accident by giving you more time to reduce your speed and safely navigate around the roadway hazard. Drivers that suddenly swerve around hazards or lock their brakes can increase the risk of a serious collision with another driver.
If you have been injured in an accident caused by unsafe, inattentive or negligent driving, you should seek the counsel of a personal injury and accident lawyer at Montlick & Associates to learn about your legal rights as well as what steps can be taken to protect those rights.
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Sources: Cited in the article and below
http://www.dot.ga.gov/PartnerSmart/Public/PressReleases/I-20-4-18-17.pdf
http://www.wrdw.com/content/news/Dump-truck-falls-into-sinkhole-on-Central-Ave-near-Hickman-Road-424314523.html
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