Georgia Car Crash Statistics
Georgia is one of the few states that has seen a gradual but steady decline in fatal traffic accidents. In fact, crash deaths have significantly dropped over a ten-year span analyzed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), from 1,729 deaths in 2005 down to 1,164 in 2014.
Of those deaths-
- 665 were single vehicle
- 155 involved at least one large truck
- 213 involving at least one speeding driver
- 313 were rollover accidents
- 624 involved a vehicle leaving the roadway
- 282 occurred at or an intersection
Of the 1,622 drivers who were involved in fatal traffic crashes, 149 were under the age of 21, and 4 were under the age of 15.
Seatbelt and Helmet Use
In 2014, about 795 passenger vehicle occupants died in fatal crashes. Of those, 363 were not wearing seatbelts or using proper child restraints. The NHTSA estimates that the lives of 30 people aged 5 and over and at least 9 children younger than 5 could have been saved if they were wearing proper child restraints and seatbelts.
About 137 motorcyclists died in motor vehicle accidents in 2014. Of those, between 8 and 13 riders were not wearing helmets. The NHTSA estimates that 76 lives were saved by helmet use and 3 lost lives could have been saved if the rider would have worn a helmet.
Pedestrian and Bicyclist Fatalities
While Georgia has done much to improve the safety of its highways and bi-ways, much more needs to be done to improve the safety for bike riders, walkers, joggers, and hikers and protect them from the dangers of the road. Pedestrian deaths increased over the ten-year span, from a low of 150 fatalities in 2005 to 163 fatalities in 2014.
There were no significant or sustained gains in bicycle safety as data show 23 cyclists lost their lives in motor vehicle accidents in 2005, and 19 died in 2014 following a ten-year high of 28 in 2012. As bicycling continues to become more popular for children and adults, the state will need to focus on improving safety standards for cyclists who must share the road with motor vehicles.
Drunk Driving
Georgia has cracked down on drunk driving and it shows with fatality statistics that are well below the national averages. In 2014, about 278 people lost their lives to drunk drivers, down from 433 in 2005.
However, a closer look at the data shows that of the 668 motorcycle operators and motor vehicle drivers who were drunk driving, 481 died in fatal crashes, and 187 survived fatal crashes that killed their passengers or other people. This data reflects a continuing need for drunk driving awareness and enforcement.
Have You Been Injured in a Car Accident? Call Us Today!
Georgia’s highways and bi-ways are dangerous. If you’ve been injured in a car accident or lost a loved one in a fatal crash, you need a dedicated team of attorneys and legal professionals fighting for your rights. Our attorneys have a long and proven record of helping the victims of car accidents get the compensation they deserve.
Call us today if you or a loved one were injured in
- Commercial bus crashes
- School bus accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Truck crashes
- Motorcycle collisions
- Commercial vehicle accidents
- Semi-truck crashes
We’ll fight the insurance companies, negligent operators, and reckless drivers to get you the maximum compensation you deserve.