Georgia Traffic Accidents in Rural Areas Surprisingly More Frequent
People often feel that the roads are safest away from high traffic areas like downtown Atlanta. The thought is that fewer vehicles on the road might mean fewer collisions and less risk of being involved in a serious accident. Ironically, a recent study suggests that rural areas pose a far greater risk in terms of drivers being involved in an automobile accident, both in terms of frequency and the seriousness of one's injuries.
While it may seem counter-intuitive that car accidents are more frequent where there is less traffic, the surprising result is explained by greater speed and more frequent alcohol related accidents in rural areas. More than 55% of all motor vehicle accident injuries and fatalities occur in rural areas. At Montlick and Associates, Attorneys at Law, our compassionate team of attorneys and staff have been assisting those seriously injured in car accidents throughout Georgia for over 39 years.
As aggravating as rush hour traffic in downtown Atlanta may seem, it actually saves lives. Excessive speed in rural areas, because of a false sense of security related to the lack of traffic, is a major contributor to the high accident rate in rural areas. Although only 27% of the population in the U.S. lives in rural areas, such areas account for 57% of accident fatalities. Excessive speed was a major factor in about 33% of the auto accidents in rural areas. Traffic accidents involving excessive speed are far more likely to result in catastrophic injuries, such as, traumatic brain injuries, spinal chord injuries, internal organ damage and fatalities. These types of serious injuries often entail massive medical expenses and a lifetime of rehabilitative therapy and nursing care.
It appears that the danger of being involved in a serious traffic accident in rural areas throughout the State of Georgia is likely to get worse before it gets better. One recent study found that the accident rate in rural areas increased by 9% while falling in urban areas by 8% over the same period. While there is already a vast disparity in the accident rate between urban and rural areas, these statistics suggest that the gap is growing.
The risk of being involved in an accident in a rural area is also compounded by a higher volume of alcohol related accidents. Accidents involving drunk drivers were 12% greater in rural areas. This also helps explain the higher fatality rate for traffic accidents in rural areas, as accidents involving drunk drivers typically lead to a higher fatality rate. There was also a 7% higher rate of drunk drivers in rural areas being repeat offenders.
If you are involved in a serious automobile accident in a rural area or anywhere throughout the State of Georgia, it is important to seek immediate legal assistance. The Georgia automobile accident lawyers at Montlick and Associates, Attorneys at Law, have been assisting those who suffer major injuries or fatalities throughout the state for over 39 years. We will carefully evaluate your case and explain your options. We are available to assist clients throughout all of Georgia including, but not limited to, Albany, Athens, Atlanta, Augusta, Columbus, Macon, Marietta, Rome, Roswell, Savannah, Smyrna, Valdosta, Warner Robins and all smaller and rural towns in the state. Call us today for your free consultation at 1-800-LAW-NEED (1-800-529-6333), or visit us on the web at www.montlick.com. No matter where you are in Georgia, we are just a phone call away!