Car accidents can happen in the blink of an eye. They can be your own fault or they can happen because someone else is distracted or makes a poor calculation or breaks a traffic rule. In any case, the consequences can be horrendous and significantly affect the physical and emotional state of those involved. Therefore, it is extremely important to stay alert and cautious every time you get behind the wheel. With over 20 million accidents occurring in the United States every year, care is perhaps the best measure one can take. But, still one can never control the actions of others.
You’d be surprised to know that the most common causes of accidents actually stem from negligence.
In fact, distracted driving is at the top of the list of the most common causes of accidents in Atlanta, Georgia.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is often quoted as one of the most common causes of auto accidents in Atlanta. Texting, answering calls, using the Internet and more cause majority of the distractions on the road that eventually result in thousands of accidents in the city every year. Other activates that cause distraction includes eating, drinking, watching videos, grooming etc. Although state laws in Georgia do not prohibit the use of cell phones while driving altogether, their use for texting and other activities that are prohibited continues to grow. This is especially true among younger drivers.
Speeding
Speeding drivers are like ticking time bombs that pose a major threat to people in vehicles and bystanders. While all states have road signs that highlight upper-speed limits to ensure safety, drivers that decide to speed completely disregard these limits. Accidents caused by drivers that are driving above the speed limit can be the most dangerous. They result in the most injuries and deaths. If you ever come across a driver that is speeding, the best thing to do is to keep a safe distance and provide them ample space to pass. If you feel like a driver might be endangering the lives of others, you may also wish to pull over and notify the police.
Intoxicated Drivers
The actions of intoxicated drivers can be highly unpredictable. You never know when they may decide to speed up, make a turn or stray out of their lane. If you spot sloppy driving on the road or irregular patterns in the speed of a car, you may be sharing that road with an intoxicated driver. Each year, thousands of people in Atlanta are injured and hundreds lose their lives because of impaired drivers who get too close to other vehicles. If you ever come across a driver that you feel may be under the influence of alcohol or drugs, pull over in a safe spot and call 911 immediately. Also, advise your loved ones not to drive after consuming alcohol or drugs even ones like painkillers, sleep-aids, anti-depressants and more.
Stay safe and drive safe!
