Shocking stats about distracted driving accidents in Georgia

Driving distractions can run the gamut from a simple passenger conversation to reading the daily newspaper while in traffic. Unfortunately, while they believe they can effectively multitask behind the wheel, distracted drivers cause devastating accidents and catastrophic injuries on Georgia roads every year.

The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) maintains a statewide safety campaign called Drive Alert Arrive Alive. This is a campaign built on the foundation of four important statistics:

• 76 percent of crash fatalities are caused by unsafe driving behaviors including distractions, impairment or driving too fast for conditions.
• 1,507 people died on Georgia’s roads in 2019.
• 60 percent of victims were not wearing a seatbelt, or their status was unknown.
• 16 percent of fatalities were pedestrians.

Drivers can be distracted by nearly anything that can pull their attention from the road. Distractions are typically lumped into three categories – cognitive, manual or visual. Some activities, such as texting, overlap all three of these categories making them far more dangerous than other activities.

The GDOT offers three helpful tips to aid Georgia drivers in remaining safe on the roads.

1. Buckle up
2. Stay off the phone and other mobile devices
3. Drive alert

Distracted drivers can cause serious motor vehicle accidents. These collisions can include head-on, rear-end and side impact. Accidents can involve any type of vehicle – from cars to trucks to motorcycles – on any type of road – from highways to city streets. In other words, no matter your specific driving situation, it is crucial that you remain focused on the task at hand.

If you or a loved one was injured in an accident caused by a distracted driver, you might suffer catastrophic injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, paralysis or amputation. As the abovementioned statistics highlight, serious crashes can result in driver or passenger fatalities. Do not hesitate to discuss your case with an experienced motor vehicle accident attorney as soon as possible.