Georgia Law Blog

Every year, approximately six million auto accidents occur on the road. This is a shocking statistic, especially for residents of Atlanta, Georgia who drive amongst the worst commuter traffic in America, according to a recent study by Forbes.com. A common cause for car accidents in Atlanta, Georgia and its surrounding counties such as Douglas County, Fulton County, and Paulding County is the heightened danger caused by poor weather conditions. On August 27, 2008, for example, The Atlanta Journal Constitution reported two serious accidents in Dekalb County on I-85 Northbound, one involving a tractor trailer truck. Heavy rains played a factor in this collision that caused three lanes to be blocked off. The Georgia Department of Transportation worked diligently to see that the blockage was cleared for drivers commuting in and out of Atlanta. In the future, drivers can remember the following tips to help to avoid a car accident when driving in bad weather:

1. Prepare for any potential weather delays by leaving early for work or an appointment. If possible, learn alternative routes to your destination in case you run across closed roads due to the weather.
2. Be aware of the current forecast to adequately prepare yourself and your vehicle for the upcoming road conditions.
3. Be sure that your vehicle is checked by a trusted auto mechanic regularly to avoid malfunctions or other safety risks while driving in dangerous weather.
4. As always, wear your seatbelt to avoid more serious injuries if you are involved in a motor vehicle accident.
5. If visibility is difficult due to heavy rains, find a safe location to pull over until the conditions become more favorable for driving.

As a Douglasville car accident attorney who handles injury cases most commonly resulting from auto accidents and truck accidents, I can say that bad weather can contribute to collisions. If you or a loved one has been injured in an automobile accident, please do not hesitate to call my office for a free consultation.