What Are the Main Causes of Car Accidents in Georgia?

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is the number one reason for all accidents on the road, and it encompasses far more than just cell phone use. It also includes:

·       Eating

·       Grooming

·       Reading

·       Applying Makeup

·       Distractions Caused by Passengers



These are just a few of the more common and frequent distractions that may divert a driver’s eyes from the road. 

Drunk Driving

In 2018, Georgia ranked 23rd among all states for drunk driving rates. Georgia’s ranking was based on DUI arrest per 100,000 residents, which was 308.7 that year. There were 19,208 drivers convicted for driving under the influences of drugs or alcohol in 2019 according to the Georgia Department of Driver Services. Driving under the influence is not only dangerous for the actual driver, but anyone else that driver could come in to contact with—pedestrian, cyclist and other drivers alike. 

Speeding/Reckless Driving

The second greatest contributing factor to all accidents nationwide, not just in the state of Georgia, is speeding. Driving over the speed limits, especially in high-foot traffic areas or along popular routes and stretches of road, is a recipe for collision and auto accident injuries. Changing lanes too quickly or weaving in and out of traffic are also common contributors to collisions and fender-benders.

The state-of-mind of each individual driver is paramount on the road. Simple carelessness, impatience, tailgating and road rage can lead to very serious accidents.



When driving instructors recommend driving defensively instead of aggressively, they’re offering some great advice. People who speed and have some of the previously listed bad habits are far more likely to be involved in catastrophic injury or fatality car crashes. 

Rain and Nighttime Conditions

Wet roads and lack of visibility are conditions which require extra attentiveness and alertness on the part of all drivers. The inability to see road and roadside obstacles during the night can be extremely problematic, especially for those with vision problems. Similarly, excess pooling of water on the road can be difficult to see until a driver is upon it and can cause the vehicle to hydroplane and possibly collide with other vehicles on the road.



Many drivers also fail to maintain their vehicles and head out in wet weather on balding tires and with worn out wipers. Inadequate maintenance can frequently result in decreased reaction time or serious accidents. 

Are Self-Driving Cars and Autonomous Vehicles Causing Crashes in Georgia? 

A study conducted by Axios looked at accidents in California between 2014-2018 when self-driving cars became more commonplace. Of the 38 self-driving car accidents recorded during that time, all but one was due to human error or negligence.

Even though self-driving cars may seem like a step in the right direction in terms of technology, there are still kinks to work out. That’s why people with Teslas and other vehicles with rudimentary autonomous functionality must maintain control and focus while behind the wheel.

Georgia’s former governor, Nathan Deal, was one of the first in the nation to sign a bill that allowed the state’s self-driving autonomous vehicles to be properly insured and registered. Georgia has since become one of a handful of places in the nation where many companies developing these new technologies have significant latitude to test and operate. Chances are you’ve already seen some on the road in recent years, even if you didn’t realize it.

Determining liability in self-driving car accidents can be complex. Responsibility likely depends on the manufacturer’s technology, whether adequate warning was given to get the driver’s attention and whether the driver was following the manufacturer’s operational recommendations.



In some cases, both the driver in the autonomous vehicle and the person struck could be plaintiffs in a case against the self-driving car manufacturer.

Georgia has luckily had few incidents so far, but these cases will inevitably show up in the future. 

Rise in Pedestrian Deaths

Although the number of driver fatalities has decreased in the past two years in the state of Georgia, there has been a slight increase in the number of pedestrian fatalities in car collisions and accidents. Pedestrian deaths went up 8 in 2018 compared to the year prior – from 253 to 261. Although this may not seem like a big increase, it’s hard to deny the prevalence of distracted driving in cities like Atlanta, Augusta and Macon has the potential to put more innocent people at risk for injury or death. 

Please Drive Responsibly 

You can only be held responsible for your own actions on the road. If another driver is distracted by their cell phone, decides they can’t afford to drive the speed limit or runs a red light and hits your vehicle, you shouldn’t be left holding the bill. Serious accidents can result in devastating disabilities and even fatalities, and it’s not always easy to get the other driver’s insurance company to admit their client’s fault and pay you what you’re owed.



The Atlanta personal injury lawyers who partner with ATL Elite Lawyers have extensive experience representing individuals who have been injured in auto accidents. Contact an ATL Elite Lawyer today and schedule consultation.