Georgia Car Accident Statistics [2024 Updated] – Traffic Fatalities

Car accidents continue to be a leading cause of injury and death in the United States. The more people drive, the higher their likelihood of having a fatal accident, especially in highly populated areas such as Georgia. Looking at the Georgia car accident statistics can help us gain a better understanding of the trends of car accidents. That way, we can find more ways to help diminish the number of crashes, working together toward safer roads.

Georgia Car Accident Statistics

Georgia is one of the most heavily populated states in the United States. Because of this, its roads see a lot of traffic. This makes understanding car accident statistics critical for promoting and working toward safety and preventing future accidents.

In 2020, Georgia was ranked fourth in fatal car accidents in the United States. Georgia is the eighth most populated state in the country, so its ranking is a bit high in proportion to its population size. The state accounted for over 6% of the total number of accidents in the United States, and many were fatal.

While this study was conducted during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is worth noting that car accidents still ranked very high as one of the leading causes of death during that time. It was rated the second-highest cause of death and emergency room visits, even though there were considerably fewer vehicles on the road. Unfortunately, in this same study, it was determined that car accidents were the leading cause of death among young people between the ages of 5 and 14.

Common Causes of Car Accidents

Georgia, like many other states, has several common reasons why car accidents occur. Some of these include:

• Distracted Driving: This includes a person taking their eyes off the road and trying to simultaneously perform other tasks while driving. This could be texting, eating, reaching for something in the back seat, or talking on the phone. Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents.In a state like Georgia, where the roads are more populated than in many other states, distracted driving is even more dangerous. A driver has less time to react to a potential hazard and less space to maneuver if they need to do so quickly.
• Speeding: Exceeding the speed limit or driving too fast for road conditions (such as rain, construction, or snow) reduces a driver’s ability to adequately react to road hazards. Speeding makes it harder to stop and if a car is speeding and crashes, the damages are typically more severe.
• Impaired Driving: Impaired driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents in Georgia. Being under the influence of drugs or alcohol significantly reduces a person’s inhibitions, making it more difficult for them to drive appropriately, react in a timely fashion, or keep focus while driving.Drowsy driving can also have a similar effect on drivers. Fatigue impairs cognitive functions and slows reaction times, much like drunk driving does.
• Aggressive Driving: Aggressive behaviors often contribute to the causes of car accidents. These include tailgating, running red lights and/or stop signs, road rage, failing to yield properly, and other traffic violations.

Understanding the main causes of traffic accidents is crucial to implementing effective strategies for improving road safety. This can reduce the number of accidents for both the average driver and the state as a whole.

Likelihood of an Accident

While a car accident can happen anywhere, and anyone can be affected, there are certain circumstances that pose a higher risk for car accidents in Georgia. First, like most other states, younger drivers are more likely to be involved in a car accident than older ones. Drivers who were in their late teens and early twenties had more car accidents than drivers who were older.

Also, in Georgia, most accidents occurred in Fulton County. This is likely due to the fact that there are plenty of highways with tons of traffic in the area. The most efficient ways to avoid traffic accidents are to drive safely, drive focused, follow all road rules and signs, drive defensively, maintain a safe distance, and do not drive if you are drowsy or intoxicated.

FAQs

Q: How Many Fatalities Occur Yearly in GA Due to Car Crashes?

A: In 2020, 38,824 people were killed in fatal car crashes in Georgia. This was a 6.8% increase in fatalities from the previous year. Georgia was the fourth-highest-ranked state in the country in terms of fatal car crashes. While fatalities increased, the total number of injuries in car accidents decreased.

Q: What Is the Cause of Car Accidents in Georgia?

A: Car accidents happen for a number of reasons in Georgia. There is no singular reason. However, since Georgia is a heavily populated state, it is more prone to car accidents. Some of the contributing factors include:

• Distracted driving
• Speeding
• Aggressive driving
• Driving while under the influence
• Driving while drowsy or fatigued

Q: How Common Are Car Accidents in Atlanta?

A: Car accidents are quite common in Atlanta, and it is one of the top cities for car accidents. This could be because the city is so heavily populated, as well as the significant number of roads and highways present in the metro area. When a driver operates their vehicle while distracted or otherwise in an unsafe manner, it is harder to respond to potential hazards than on roads that do not have as many people on them.

Q: Do I Have to Report a Car Accident in Georgia?

A: By Georgia law, you must report a car accident to law enforcement under certain circumstances. These include if the accident resulted in the injury of one or more people, no matter how major or minor the injury. The accident must be reported if it caused a fatality. Finally, you must inform law enforcement of the accident if it resulted in property damage of $500 or more.

Contact Nichols Injury Law Today

If you have been involved in a car accident, you don’t have to navigate the legal process alone. At Nichols Injury Law, we understand the emotional and financial toll that a car accident can have on someone. We can work hard on your case, fighting for the greatest possible outcome for you. Contact us today to get started.