Traffic Congestion in Atlanta Does Not Mean More Fatal Collisions
Many Georgia drivers assume that they are at a greater risk of being involved in a fatal accident when driving in heavy populated areas like downtown Atlanta. This assumption is fairly reasonable because it is based on the theory that less traffic congestion and smoother traffic flow should mean fewer collisions and, consequently, fewer traffic-related fatalities.
At Montlick & Associates, Attorneys at Law, our accident attorneys handle ALL types of motor vehicle accident claims that result in the most serious types of injuries, including motorcycle accidents, tractor-trailer crashes and high speed collisions. This experience is why we are not surprised by reports that reveal the highest number of collisions and the most serious injuries are more likely to occur on rural roads. Despite the fact there are substantially fewer vehicles on rural roads, more than half of all collisions resulting in serious injury and fatalities occur in these locations. While slightly more than a quarter of the population in the U.S. resides in rural areas, these regions account for 57 percent of all traffic-related fatalities.
A study that compared accident rates and severity in rural areas to those in urban centers revealed that all of that frustrating traffic congestion and gridlock in Atlanta and other large cities actually saves lives. Because motor vehicles move at slower speeds in urban centers due to heavy traffic, vehicles travel at slower speeds so drivers have more time to respond to road hazards by veering, slowing or stopping their vehicle. Slower speeds also mean a reduced force of impact and more serious risk of permanent injury and wrongful death. A third of all fatal accidents in rural areas involve drivers exceeding the speed limit.
The same study found that drivers were far more likely to drive drunk when traveling in rural areas. Because intoxicated drivers tend to cause more fatal accidents, the higher rate of drunken driving in rural areas also contributes to more fatal collisions. Alcohol-related DUI accident rates are more than ten percent higher in rural areas with seven percent of these drivers being repeat offenders.
While overall traffic-related fatalities have declined in recent years, the frequency of rural accidents in relation to urban crashes is widening. The accident study found that the number of accidents in urban areas had declined by eight percent while the rate in rural areas rose by nine percent during the same timeframe.
Put Our Law Firm's Over 39 Years of Legal Experience to Work For Your Accident Claim!
Montlick and Associates, Attorneys at Law, assists victims of Georgia car wrecks and other traffic collisions in the Southeast recover compensation for their injuries and losses. This may include monetary compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, punitive damages if the at-fault driver's conduct rose to the level of gross negligence and more. We strive to achieve the most favorable outcome possible for our clients under the law.
Our law firm has over 39 years of experience in representing car accident victims across Georgia and in the Southeast. Contact us to schedule your Free Consultation at 1-800-LAW-NEED (1-800-529-6333). You can also visit us online at www.montlick.com and use our Free Case Evaluation Form or 24-hour Live Online Chat.
Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1448517/
Montlick & Associates, Attorneys at Law
17 Executive Park Dr NE
Atlanta, GA 30329
Telephone: 1 (404) 529-6333
Toll Free: 1 (800) LAW-NEED
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