Increasing Number of Georgia Car Accident Deaths
The deadliest year for car accidents since 2007 is among us and the upward trend doesn’t seem to be slowing down. With the statistics already showing percentages beating 2014 and 2015, drivers need to be extra cautious this coming weekend. On Labor Day 2008, an estimated 438 people were killed during the three (3) day weekend and this year it is predicted to be even higher.
According to an article published by Forbes, 19,100 people have already died on U.S. roads since January, 2016. To put this into perspective, imagine filling up 382 school buses of people who have lost their lives. The number of people seriously injured is estimated to be over two (2) million.
Our home state has been affected by these tragedies as it lands in the top seven (7) states that have seen a significant increase in traffic deaths. The council states that Georgia has had a 34% increase in car accident deaths since 2014.
While we have discussed time and time again the factors that lead to traffic fatalities, the National Safety Council says that the three (3) most likely factors explaining why our country is seeing the deadly upward trend is due to:
- The Stronger Economy
- Lower Employment Rates
- Falling Gas Prices
Although a number of reasons can be used to blame the increase of traffic deaths, our country needs to take action to prevent the continued growth of these tragedies on our roadways. Whether it is at a state level or a national level, the push for stricter laws must be met to save lives.
To help ensure safety, the National Safety Council recommends drivers:
- Make sure every passenger buckles up on every trip
- Designate an alcohol and drug-free driver or arrange alternate transportation
- Get plenty of sleep and take regular breaks to avoid fatigue
- Never use a cell phone behind the wheel, even hands-free
- Stay engaged in teens' driving habits, as teens are three (3) times more likely to crash than a more experienced driver
- Learn about your vehicle's safety systems and how to use them.
Georgia is among those states that have been most impacted and we need to make a change immediately.