Two of the Most Dangerous Causes of Auto Accidents in Georgia
Auto Accidents and Serious Injuries in the State of Georgia
Most people have certain driving habits that are less than optimal, but some drivers routinely engage in conduct that substantially increases the risk of an auto accident. While the best practice is for drivers to always observe the rules of the road and engage in defense driving, there are especially dangerous driving habits that cause more accidents and severe injuries. When motorists disregard traffic safety and engage in these practices, the predictable result can be serious permanent injuries like spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, damage to vital organs, paralysis and other life-changing injuries.
Our Atlanta auto accident injury attorneys at Montlick and Associates have handled a multitude of collisions involving all types of motor vehicles, so we see the types of unsafe driving that change people’s lives all too often. We have provided an overview of some of the types of driving practices that frequently cause serious car accidents.
Distracted Driving
Most motorists have at least some awareness of the risks associated with distracted driving because this dangerous driving practice has received a lot of attention in recent years. While cell phone use and texting and driving justifiably have received a lot of the focus from lawmakers, traffic safety experts and others, any form of distracted driving can be dangerous. If a motorist’s eyes, mind or hands are engaged in tasks other than driving, the risk of a collision increases dramatically. Whether a driver is sending a text message, eating lunch, or applying makeup, drivers cannot safely multi-task behind the wheel of a motor vehicle.
Distracted drivers causes thousands of deaths annually and causes injury to approximately a half a million other people annually according to the government’s official distracted driving website distraction.gov. Although the vast majority of drivers are awareness of the risk of distracted driving, the federal government estimates that approximately 660,000 drivers are using hand-held cell phones at any moment in time. Text messaging is particularly dangerous because a vehicle traveling at 55 mph will travel the length of a football field in the five seconds it takes to read a text message.
Alcohol Impaired Driving
Intoxicated drivers continue to claim the lives of approximately 10,000 people per year and account for one in three traffic accident-related fatalities according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). While most drivers would readily acknowledge that it is never safe to drink and drive, the CDC reports that adults in the U.S. drink too much and climb behind the wheel 112 million times per year.
Intoxicated drivers may experience both impaired mental and physical driving skills. Drunk drivers often exhibit slower reaction times, impaired judgment, diminished coordination, distorted vision and other compromised driving skills. Although driving while under the influence is one of the most dangerous forms of driving behavior, drunk driving accidents are completely preventable if motorists abstain from driving while intoxicated. When a drunk driver causes an accident that results in severe bodily injury or a fatality, this type of personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit can result in punitive damages.
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 injury attorneys 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.
Source: https://www.cdc.gov/motorvehiclesafety/impaired_driving/impaired-drv_factsheet.html
Montlick & Associates, Attorneys at Law
17 Executive Park Dr NE
Atlanta, GA 30329
Telephone: 1 (800) LAW-NEED
Telephone: 1 (404) 529-6333