Personal Injury Law

More Georgia Car Wrecks Than Expected Over Labor Day Weekend

By M. Brandon Smith

Death Rate Down, Car Wrecks Up this Holiday Weekend: While there were fewer fatalities than expected this Labor Day weekend, the number of Georgia car wrecks went well beyond what was predicted. The Georgia Department of Public Safety anticipated 18 deaths over the holiday weekend. Thankfully, this prediction was an overshot. Eight people lost their lives in Georgia traffic accidents occurring between 6 p.m. Friday and Monday at midnight.

One fatality occurred when a motorcyclist, 38-year-old Anthony Tyrone Anderson of Smyrna, collided with another motorcycle. Another fatality resulted in a separate incident when 44-year-old John Frederick Freeman of McDonough attempted to flee from police. The state department's prediction was based upon the number of fatalities that resulted during last year's Labor Day weekend.

However, the prediction for car crashes was a grave underestimate. There were 361 more car wrecks over the weekend than were predicted. According to officials, there were 2,231 crashes resulting in 614 injuries; whereas in 2008 there were 1,660 accidents and 798 injured. Even though less people were injured this year, there was an increase of more than 570 car wrecks. This is a substantial increase.

When the number of incidents increases, so does the risk of injury. Many times, accidents can be easily avoided. For this reason, it's important to remember some key points on driver safety:

• Don't drink and drive or ride with someone who is under the influence
• Always use your turn signals
• Never text, eat, or apply make-up while driving
• Perform routine service checks and maintenance for your vehicle
• Follow the speed limit
• Do not reach for items while driving
• Pull over if you feel tired, can't focus, or need to make a phone call

Don't be afraid to mention one or all of the above to a friend or family member, it may save their life and/or yours. Many of us forget these valuable pointers because we feel we are experienced drivers. However, it only takes one mis-hap for an accident to occur or for someone to lose their life.

If you have additional questions please feel free to contact one of our Georgia accident lawyers to see how they can help.

Full post as published by Atlanta Personal Injury Lawyer on September 10, 2009 (boomark / email).