Driving on a highway can be stressful, especially in Atlanta. More car accidents happen on highways than on other roads due to the sheer number of people who commute on them.
The more people traveling on Atlanta’s busy highways, the more likely the risk of a collision. With congestion that creates stop-and-go traffic, higher speeds, and distracted drivers, it’s a recipe for disaster.
Figures from the Georgia Electronic Accident Reporting System (GEARS) reveal there were 21,478 accidents in 2020. Read on to learn why Atlanta’s highways are among the most dangerous in the country.
What Makes Atlanta Highways So Dangerous?
Atlanta has six major interstates, each with a high volume of cars commuting through this bustling southern hub. You likely drive past accidents all the time — but one day, it could be you or someone you love. If so, you’ll want to talk to auto accident claims attorneys to help you recover compensation for your damages.
Atlanta’s main highways are I-285, I-75, and I-85. These areas all lead to some serious crashes, often with fatalities. There are several reasons why these highways are more prone to accidents.
More Chances for Collisions
With every passing year, more and more vehicles enter Atlanta roads. Some have moved here while others are visiting. The more cars there are on the road, the greater the likelihood of accidents. It’s even more troubling for drivers who aren’t used to these highways.
Stop-and-Go Congested Traffic
Traffic often grinds to a halt on Atlanta’s busy highways. It leads to frustration but also complacency as many people find other ways to entertain themselves in the car. When traffic congests and follows a stop-and-go flow, it’s much more likely for rear-end crashes to occur.
Aggressive Drivers and Increased Frustration
As mentioned, frustration is a factor. When traffic is heavy and you have somewhere you need to be, it’s easy to lose your cool. Some drivers take this to the extreme and act aggressively. They may tailgate, weave in and out of the lanes, or do other reckless things to get ahead.
Higher Speeds
The design of highways is supposed to allow you to go faster. These higher speeds mean you can arrive more quickly at your destination. However, going above the speed limit to compensate for lost time when previously stuck in a congested portion of the road often leads to catastrophic crashes.
Overall Driver Fatigue
Atlanta’s congested highways only seem to make commutes longer. This can be draining for any driver. They may be tired on their way to the office or exhausted after a long day working. These all create a recipe for disaster for everyone on these highly traveled roads.
You could argue that one accident on these highways is one too many. However, these things will occur, even when you’re doing everything right. If a negligent driver has crashed into you on the highway, talking to an attorney can help you figure out the steps to take.
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