Accidents happen, right? But knowing exactly what kinds of accidents happen and how often may not be at the top of your list of personal interests. That said, we believe it’s important to be an informed driver here at Freedom National. Understanding where, when, and why accidents happen is a good way to keep yourself aware of the dangers on the road and successfully avoid them. After all, we believe that the best insurance claim is the one you don’t have to file, because you’ve managed to avoid an accident altogether.
In Georgia, the most recent car accident statistics come from 2020. In that time, over 70 drivers were hurt in a car accident in Georgia every hour, adding up to over 1,700 a day and over 600,000 injuries in the year. Last year was certainly a unique time around the world, and Georgia is no different. But the vehicle and accident stats from that year can help identify some significant trends and inform your driving when you head out on the roads in Georgia. In this article we’ve compiled some of the most important car accident statistics for Georgia to help you stay safe on the roads and help contribute to hopefully improving these numbers in 2021.
Georgia Car Accident Statistics
While 2020 saw an unusual rise in traffic fatalities in Georgia, previous years have seen a promising drop after Georgia enacted a hands-free law that forbid the use of cell phones or mobile devices while driving. In 2018 there was a six percent drop in fatal accidents over the previous year, and marked the first time in four years that less than 1,000 vehicle fatalities were recorded in a year’s span.
However, there are other statistics that matter to drivers in Georgia. Here are some of the most important stats to consider when assessing safe driving in Georgia and beyond.
Types of Vehicles in Georgia Car Accidents
To add some context to the accidents and highway incidents that occur in Georgia, it can help to look at the specific types of vehicles involved. Generally, single-vehicle accidents are the most common type of accident, usually passenger vehicles. Next is pickup trucks, followed by utility trucks and motorcycles.
These car accident statistics in Georgia, however, don’t account for fatal pedestrian accidents. In one year alone, 232 pedestrians were killed in fatal accidents.
Leading Causes of Accidents in Georgia
The leading causes of accidents in Georgia, according to car accident statistics for Georgia, cover a range of situations. One of the most common causes of accidents is roadway departures, or accidents that occur when someone leaves a roadway either by mistake or deliberately.
Another common cause of accidents and fatalities are rollovers, and speeding is another extremely common cause. Intersections, large trucks, and single-vehicle incidents also top the list of common causes of accidents ending in fatalities.
Fatal Car Accidents in Georgia
Where does Georgia stand when it comes to car accidents that result in at least one fatality? Unfortunately, the decrease in cars on the road due to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns did not contribute to a fall in fatal vehicle accidents in Georgia.
Despite their being less traffic, more people died on state highways in Georgia in 2020 than in the previous year. Roughly 1,600 people died on Georgia state highways according to car accident statistics for Georgia in 2020. That’s compared to 1,500 people the previous year, an increase of 100+ deaths.
Experts speculate that this was the result of increased driving speeds, which were made possible by reduced traffic on the roads. People sped above the speed limit more frequently, which meant that when accidents occurred they were more likely to be fatal. This is an important reminder to always obey posted speed limits, even when other vehicles aren’t present. It’s not only the law, it’s also designed to protect people from losing their lives on the roads. And if you’re found to be speeding in the event of a fatal accident, you could face harsh penalties and even jail time regardless of your insurance coverage.
Leading Causes of Fatal Accidents in Georgia
It might surprise you to discover that the leading cause of fatal accidents in Georgia is single vehicle accidents, which involve only one car and account for nearly as much as all other types of traffic fatalities combined, according to car accident statistics for Georgia.
These numbers have risen due to the increase in distracted and drowsy driving, as people work longer hours, have longer commutes, and are more likely to use their phones or other devices while driving. Always keep your attention fully focused on the road when driving, and avoid the use of any devices while keeping both hands free to control the vehicle at all times. Also, never drive drowsy. All it takes is drifting off for less than a second for you to experience an accident.
Auto Accident Fatalities in Georgia by County
Wondering which counties have the highest numbers of fatal accidents in Georgia? Here are the top 10 offenders, based on car accident statistics for Georgia.
- Fulton County: 129
- Dekalb County: 80
- Gwinnett County: 61
- Cobb County: 59
- Clayton County: 48
- Chatham County: 43
- Hall County: 31
- Bibb County: 28
- Muscogee County: 27
- Bartow County: 26
Conclusion
Accidents happen. The last thing you want to worry about after a car accident in Georgia is your insurance. Want to make sure you’re probably insured so that you don’t find yourself caught in an accident in Georgia without the insurance coverage to protect you from financial liability? Freedom National is here to help. Go to our Georgia insurance quote page to find cheap car insurance in Georgia and get yourself properly covered in no time.
From there, you can customize your policy so that it has everything you need— and nothing you don’t. We pride ourselves on offering some of the most accessible & affordable car insurance in the country, even for those with prior driving incidents on their record. Get started with Freedom National today.
