What You May Not Know About the Causes of Automobile Accidents in Georgia
What You May Not Know About the Causes of Automobile Accidents in Georgia
The first auto accident ever formally recorded occurred in 1891 in Ohio; James Lambert’s car hit a tree root in the road, sending it careening into a nearby hitching post. Lambert’s injuries were minor—a good thing for the rest of us as he went on to patent over six hundred inventions, primarily related to the auto industry. Although major vehicle safety improvements have taken place since 1891, the number of vehicles on the highways has also risen dramatically—there are currently 250 million registered passenger cars in the United States. Today’s statistics say that most of us will be involved in at least one serious car collision during our lifetime in addition to minor fender-benders.
Is Your Car Accident-Prone?
Recent studies show that certain makes and models of vehicles are more likely to be involved in a collision than others. When we think of an accident-prone car, most of us think of a high-end sports car with a powerful motor and fast acceleration. Today’s list is topped by the Toyota Scion TC, a sporty vehicle manufactured by Toyota. Other cars which made the list include the Chevy Cobalt, Mitsubishi Galant, Hyundai Tiburon, Honda Civic and Subaru Impreza. These cars are not engaged in more than their fair share of collisions because they are unsafe, rather because they offer an affordable, yet high-performance vehicle which is generally purchased by younger drivers. An Australian survey found that black vehicles are 12 percent more likely to be involved in a car collision, while hybrids are 25 percent less likely to be involved in a crash.
What are the Causes of Auto Accidents?
Driver error is considered to be the primary cause of auto accidents and includes such things as passing unsafely, exceeding the speed limit, failure to yield, running stop signs or stop lights or tailgating other drivers. Most drivers know better than to engage in such behaviors, but may do so anyhow. Distracted driving is quickly moving up the list, coming in as the second most common reason for auto collisions. We live in a crazy-busy world, and therefore may engage in multi-tasking while behind the wheel. We eat, change radio stations, set our GPS devices, scold the children, turn around to see what’s happening in the back seat, visit with other passengers, talk on our cell phones and daydream when we should be concentrating on one thing—driving. Anything which takes our attention away from driving can lead to an accident with potentially serious consequences.
Although the statistics vary, between 15 and 30 percent of all auto accidents may be caused by an impaired driver, despite the fact that most states have cracked down on drunk driving with enhanced penalties. Weather conditions are a decided factor in auto accidents; drivers may have their vision inhibited through rain, fog or snow, or the roadways may be icy or slick. Strong cross-winds can also be a factor in auto accidents. When driving in inclement weather, slow down and leave more room between yourself and other drivers to avoid a weather-related accident. Design flaws in roads or intersections can cause accidents as can trees or bushes which have been allowed to grow into the road, obscuring drivers’ vision. Depending on where you live, animals in the road may also be a factor in auto accidents. Finally, driver fatigue factors into auto accidents, accounting for over 100,000 accidents per year.
Put Our Law Firm's Over 39 Years Of Legal Experience To Work For Your Case!
If you or a loved one has been injured in any type of accident caused by someone else's negligence, contact Montlick & Associates today for your free consultation with an attorney from our experienced car accident law firm in Georgia. Montlick & Associates has been representing those who suffer serious injuries throughout all of Georgia and in the Southeast for over 39 years, including but not limited to Albany, Athens, Atlanta, Augusta, Columbus, Gainesville, Macon, Marietta, Rome, Roswell, Savannah, Smyrna, Valdosta, Warner Robins and all smaller cities and rural areas in the state.
No matter where you are located our attorneys are just a phone call away, and we will even come to you. Call us 24 hours a day/7 days a week for 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.
Montlick & Associates, Attorneys at Law
17 Executive Park Dr NE
Atlanta, GA 30329
Telephone: 1 (800) LAW-NEED
Telephone: 1 (404) 529-6333