Bordered by three major highways or interstate highways, Atlanta is in the very heart of the United States. Millions of people travel through this transportation hub each year on their way to other parts of the country. For these reasons, it’s no wonder that car accidents are a common occurrence in Atlanta.
If you have been involved in a car accident, don’t hesitate to consult Atlanta car accident lawyer. We offer free consultation and give you the best representation possible. Meanwhile, if you want to learn more about car accidents in Atlanta, read on. We will share everything you need to know about car crashes in this bustling southern city.
1. Car Accidents Are Serious in Atlanta
Unfortunately, on an average day in Atlanta, there’s an average of one car accident every four hours. They are often considered a serious injury-causing accident or a fatal accident. In 2020 alone, despite lockdowns due to the pandemic, the Atlanta Police District still recorded 21,478 traffic accidents. That’s a staggering number for a city of 500,000 people. City-Data also published that on average, 250 auto accidents occur everyday in Atlanta.
2. Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is a rising concern for the cause of car accidents in Atlanta. In fact, it is a major problem for all drivers in the U.S, as they try to manage their vehicles while attempting to perform other tasks — such as making and receiving phone calls, texting, and talking. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that one in every five car accidents that result in injury is caused by distracted driving. It is a big factor in fatal road accidents. Atlanta roads aren’t any different, with 57,605 reported violations in 2021 alone.
3. Speeding
Most drivers in Atlanta drive at or above the speed limit, increasing the chances of accidents. Reckless driving, sudden lane changes, and chasing another car can lead to serious car accidents. Look at the following figures:
- 2013: 17 crashes
- 2014: 22 crashes
- 2015: 29 crashes
- 2016: 26 crashes
- 2017: 21 crashes
- 2018: 27 crashes
- 2019: 30 crashes
4. Driving Under Influence (DUI)
Unfortunately, many people in Atlanta drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. As a result, there is an increased risk of an accident happening because these drivers can’t drive their vehicles safely. If you’re under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, you can lose control of the vehicle and cause a fatal accident. Here’s a glance at yearly crashes due to DUI:
- 2013: 21 crashes
- 2014: 19 crashes
- 2015: 31 crashes
- 2016: 36 crashes
- 2017: 28 crashes
- 2018: 37 crashes
- 2019: 42 crashes
5. Fatal Car Accidents in Atlanta
Ongoing reports from the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety show that there has been an alarming rise in car accidents in and around Atlanta. You will be surprised to see the yearly traffic-related accident data below:
- 2010: 60 fatal accidents
- 2011: 50 fatal accidents
- 2012: 66 fatal accidents
- 2013: 78fatal accidents
- 2014: 62 fatal accidents
- 2015: 82 fatal accidents
- 2016: 93 fatal accidents
- 2017: 79 fatal accidents
- 2018: 86 fatal accidents
- 2019: 136 fatal accidents
- 2020: 500 fatal crashes
If we look at the numbers above, they are steadily increasing, with the highest spike in 2020. Of those accidents, a lot of them resulted in death or serious injuries. It is saddening that in Atlanta alone, at least 10% (on average) fatal car-related accidents happen in every 100,000 people.
6. Car Accidents: A Common Occurrence in Atlanta
Over the course of the past five years, there have been fluctuating numbers of crashes on Atlanta county roads. Take a look at the following statistics:
- A total of 14,373 auto accidents in Fulton County resulted in injuries in 2013.
- A whopping 46,887 auto accidents were reported in 2014.
- In 2016, the county reported 60,984 accidents, with 18,505 injuries incurred as a result.
- In 2017, accidents increased by 33% over the previous year, reaching a total of 63,984.
- In 2018, however, the number of total collisions dropped to 45,944 when compared with 2017 figures.
- 2019 reported the lowest at 34,446 total car crashes reported to the Atlanta police district.
7. Who Are Involved in Car Accidents?
Besides the drivers and passengers, a car crash poses higher risks to pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists. According to 2019 data, Georgia reported the following non-motorist involvement in a car crash.
- Pedestrian fatalities increased to 236 in traffic crashes in 2019, up by 22% from the 194 pedestrian deaths in 2015.
- From 2015 to 2019, there has been an average of 24 bicyclist fatalities in traffic crashes.
Talk To Atlanta Car Accident Lawyers Today for a FREE Consultation
Have you or your loved one been involved in a car accident in Atlanta? Then, you need the experienced Atlanta car accident lawyers at Hines Law to fight for your rights. We can give you outstanding representation to get the appropriate compensation you deserve, such as medical bills, lost wages, and damages.