When a new year begins, the last thing people want to think about is road danger. However, in Georgia and across the nation, it is important for people to understand the common trends for road safety from the previous year.
Knowing the risks that lurk when heading out as a driver, passenger, motorcyclist, bicyclist or pedestrian is a fundamental part of avoiding crashes. For instance, knowing the times at which drivers who have been drinking might be on the road can be a factor in greater awareness and avoiding certain areas.
Noticing the signs of intoxicated drivers or drivers who are drowsy can be useful to steer clear of these dangerous drivers. Or seeing a driver speeding and behaving recklessly can lead to avoiding them. Still, many accidents cannot be prevented and knowing what to do in the aftermath is essential.
Federal and local entities discuss accident statistics
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has provided its assessment for the total road fatalities for the first three-quarters of 2022. It reports that nearly 31,800 people were killed in auto accidents during that time frame. This was a slight reduction of 0.2% from the same juncture in 2021. This is a positive.
In addition, there were notable decreases in demographics for fatalities. For example, there was a 10% drop in children under 16 losing their lives in a crash and an 8% reduction in people ages 16 to 24. There were 2% fewer accidents due to speeding. Still, there were increases in some categories. Eight percent more bicyclists; 5% more motorcyclists; and 2% more pedestrians were killed in 2022.
Georgia also has safety concerns that law enforcement is trying to address. Toward that end, there is a greater police presence across the Peach State. Officers lament the number of drivers who are speeding. The objective is to be more visible and crack down on driver misbehavior in the hopes that it will dissuade them from being reckless. The 2022 fatality states in Georgia did improve from 2021. There were 40 fewer highway deaths. Despite that, 1,787 people were killed.
Accidents happen without warning for a litany of reasons. No one ever thinks they will be unlucky enough to be in a collision. Perhaps a person is heading to work in the early morning hours or heading home after a workday in the evening. It could be a student going to class via bicycle or a stay-at-home parent running to the store for essentials.
When an accident does happen, people will have an endless series of questions and concerns they will need to address. They may wonder if they will ever fully recover or will need help for the rest of their lives. There could be financial woes from the unexpected medical expenses. Their work lives can be negatively impacted or they could be left unable to work at all.
It is undeniable that these challenges are worrisome. Fortunately, there are available avenues to try and recover compensation for all that was lost. The details of the accident can be crucial to a claim. Accounting for all that was lost in an accurate and evenhanded way is also essential. Having advice can assuage all the fears that come up and be beneficial to filing a claim.
Having caring help is a key part of a successful case
In these cases, it is imperative to have professional help that understands the concerns of everyday people whose lives have been radically altered by an auto accident. That includes consulting with people who have empathy, know the financial realities of being unable to work and can gather the evidence and experts who can help with a claim.
From the beginning, it is wise to call those who have a full grasp of the inherent problems that arise after an auto crash. Calling for a consultation and help can give people room to breathe and prepare for the future knowing they have quality assistance on their side.