Atlanta summers are humid and hot, where the temperature can soar as high as 90 degrees Fahrenheit. The sun will impact your driving during early morning as you head to work. The sun’s glare can blind you and put you at risk of hitting a pedestrian, or vice versa.
Fatal vehicle crashes in Atlanta can cost a person’s life. Take for example, the accident that took Taraja Ramess’s life and three of the kids. He is the stuntman for movies like “Avengers: Endgame” and “Black Panther ”. Two of his daughters lost their lives during the crash. Kisasi, his 10-year-old son was on life support, but couldn’t survive because of severe injuries.
Accidents like this are common in Atlanta. In this article, we will shed light on how to stay safe from vehicle crashes during the summer.
Safety Tips to Follow
Annually, nearly 1.19 million people die globally because of road traffic crashes. In Georgia, there were 1,797 traffic fatalities in 2022. Hence, the chances of vehicle collisions in Atlanta can’t be ruled out.
The Atlanta Personal Injury Law Firm states it is necessary to consult a lawyer once you’ve been hit by a car. The lawyer will study the case and let you know if you qualify for a lawsuit. Then they will guide you through the process and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Even though you have legal help available, it’s always better to avoid an accident as much as you can. You can use the following guidelines for help:
Car Accidents
During summer, there is an increased traffic on the roads of Atlanta. It’s because people are planning for events, vacations, and outings. High congestion rates can result in more car crashes. Coupled with that, people are always in a rush to overtake other cars. Here are a few tips that you can use to avoid a car crash:
- Make sure that you stay alert when you are driving. For instance, try to avoid all kinds of distractions, such as using a phone or texting. It can make you unmindful and miss out on traffic signals, which can lead to a crash.
- It is always better to plan ahead and then drive. Check the traffic reports, and then plan your route so that you can avoid any congested areas.
- Always drive when you are sober. If you aren’t certain whether you can drive safely, you can book a ride-sharing service.
In January 2024, 11alive.com reported a DUI accident where a Fulton County man was put behind bars. He was charged with drunk driving, hitting a person and fleeing from the accident scene. Hence, it’s never a good idea to drink and drive.
Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents
Summer is a time when people love to take a stroll and also opt for biking. It enables them to enjoy the warm sun and have a good time outdoors. In August 2022, Fox5atlanta.com reported that bike and pedestrian crashes have increased in Atlanta since 2021.
Responding to this, Propel ATL, which is a local non-profit organization, decided to work towards making the city streets safer. The situation can be improved by implementing raised intersections, protected crosswalks, and separated bike lanes.
That aside, it is also necessary to follow a few safety tips such as:
- Being visible by wearing bright clothes while on your bike. Additionally, you can also use reflectors and lights.
- It is also essential to follow traffic signals and signs and make use of the crosswalks.
- Stay aware of your immediate surroundings, and don’t get distracted by talking to someone over the phone.
Truck Accidents
Truck accidents are mostly fatal because of the heavy vehicle size. It often leads to severe injuries like traumatic brain injuries, bone fractures, spinal cord injuries, and many more. In January 2024, there was a fatal truck crash at the Buford-Spring Connector. The rescue team assisted one person who was injured and transferred him to an ambulance.
If you are in Atlanta, here are a few ways you can avoid being hit by a truck:
- If you are following a truck, make sure to leave more space than a passenger car. It’s because the big vehicle limits your view of the road ahead. The added space provides you with extra time to react to slow traffic, construction, and any other hazards.
- Always remain out of the blind spot of a truck. For this, you can apply a small trick. Take a look at the vehicle’s side mirrors. If you aren’t able to see the face of the driver in the mirror, even he can’t see you. Hence, it’s much better to pass the truck on the driver’s side, as it has a wider blind spot on the passenger’s side.
Unfortunately, accidents in Atlanta are common, and many of them lead to injuries and death. In 2022, GDOT highlighted that 1,982 died on the streets of Georgia. That makes it an average of five people dying in a day. Therefore, it is necessary to be cautious when you are walking or driving. The guidelines mentioned above can help you stay safe in Atlanta during the summer.
