A new study says that Georgia drivers are more likely to cause a crash than drivers in almost any other state.

In a national ranking that considers car accident data and crash rates, Georgia is named the 5th most dangerous state due to accident-prone drivers (neighboring South Carolina is No. 1). More than 10% of Georgia drivers have an at-fault traffic accident on their record, according to the Insurify study. This is 20% higher than the national average.

To underscore the results, authors noted that Georgia has the 4th most yearly fatal crashes reported in the U.S. but only the 8th largest state population. This discrepancy is a sign that there is a high concentration of car accidents in Georgia.

Common causes of Georgia crashes

Many people who live, work, or visit here will not be surprised by Georgia's place in the top 10. There's no way to control other drivers, but understanding crash hazards may help prevent future accidents. Here are the leading causes and factors involved in Georgia traffic accidents.

• Intersections. Over 300,000 crashes took place at Georgia intersections in 2022, according to the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT). High traffic volume and complex traffic patterns at intersections make them prone to accidents, especially when drivers fail to yield the right-of-way or disobey traffic signals.
• Distracted drivers. The increasing use of smartphones and other electronic devices behind the wheel diverts drivers' attention from the road, leading to a significant number of accidents. Georgia counted more than 158,000 confirmed and suspected instances of distracted driving accidents in 2022.
• Driver's age. Both young and older drivers are involved in a higher number of accidents due to inexperience (young drivers) and diminished reflexes (older drivers).
• Large trucks. The size and weight of commercial trucks make them more challenging to control and stop, leading to a higher risk of accidents. Last year, there were about 36,480 truck accidents in Georgia.
• Aggressive driving, road rage. Stress and frustration on the road can escalate into aggressive behavior, endangering the safety of all motorists. Road rage was a factor in about 23,800 crashes in the state last year.
• Drugs and alcohol. Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol impairs judgment and reaction times, contributing to a significant number of accidents.
• Speeding. Driving too fast for conditions and/or exceeding speed limits reduces the driver's ability to react to sudden changes in traffic conditions, resulting in more severe accidents.
• Bald or malfunctioning tires. Worn-out or improperly maintained tires can lead to reduced traction, increasing the likelihood of accidents, especially on wet or slippery roads. "Slick" tires and "failures" contributed to about 3,000 Georgia crashes last year.
• Non-motorists, pedestrians, cyclists. Accidents involving pedestrians and bicyclists often occur due to drivers failing to notice them or failing to yield the right-of-way at crosswalks and intersections.

Georgia crash hotspots

Some parts of Georgia have to deal with more bad drivers than others. Crash hotspots can be identified in cities and the country. About half the crashes in the state happen in unincorporated Georgia. Meanwhile, more than 16% of all car accidents in Georgia occur in Fulton County.

Over the last five years, cities reporting the most fatal crashes in Georgia are:

• Atlanta
• Augusta
• Macon
• Columbus
• Sandy Springs

Attorneys fighting for the rights of Atlanta crash victims

Understanding crash factors and causes can improve road safety, but it can't completely eliminate serious and fatal traffic accidents. Remember, it only takes one negligent driver to cause a crash that can change a life, or worse.

At the Law Offices of Gary Martin Hays & Associates, P.C., we believe in holding reckless drivers accountable for their actions. We know what to do to help families get justice after fatal car wrecks. Attorneys Gary Martin Hays and Sarah R. Jett wrote the #1 bestselling book on this subject: The Authority on Wrongful Death Claims in Georgia.

If you've been injured or lost a loved one in an accident caused by someone else's negligence, we are here to help you seek the justice and financial compensation you deserve. Don't wait, contact us today for a free case evaluation and let us fight for your rights.