Road Safety Challenges in Greater Atlanta (PDF)
A recent study conducted in 2022 revealed that the greater Atlanta area is home to the top five most perilous roads in Georgia. Commuters in Atlanta face a substantial amount of stress while navigating these roads on a daily basis, contending with issues such as potholes, congested streets, and more. Fortunately, Atlanta is now taking measures to mitigate the hazards posed by its roadways and to improve its road safety.
Challenges Posed by Unsafe Roads in Atlanta
The streets of Atlanta are riddled with potential hazards, some of which occur with alarming frequency, raising significant concerns about the possibility of severe accidents.
- Potholes: Potholes are a common menace that Atlanta drivers are well-acquainted with. Not only can hitting a pothole disrupt a vehicle’s trajectory, but it can also pose a substantial risk of damage, including tire blowouts that could result in severe injuries. Additionally, potholes often force drivers to swerve or brake suddenly, leading to accidents or traffic congestion, thereby increasing the likelihood of accidents.
- Drunk Drivers: The prevalence of drunk driving remains a significant problem throughout Atlanta, contributing to as much as 40% of accidents in the area. Intoxicated drivers struggle to maintain control of their vehicles, often swerving recklessly, exhibiting slowed reaction times, and suffering from tunnel vision. This impaired condition hampers their ability to respond effectively to emergencies and to be aware of their surroundings on the road. Despite the evident dangers, many individuals continue to make the reckless choice of getting behind the wheel while under the influence.
- Speeding: Many drivers in Atlanta frequently exceed posted speed limits, despite clear regulations designed to promote safe travel. High speeds make it challenging for drivers to control their vehicles safely, particularly on the multi-lane highways that crisscross the city. Moreover, higher speeds can result in more severe injuries in the event of an accident.
Measures to Improve Atlanta’s Road Safety
In response to these road safety challenges, state and local government authorities have taken proactive steps to enhance safety for Atlanta’s commuters. Considerable funding has been allocated to address the issues plaguing the city’s streets, benefiting both residents and visitors.
- Pothole Repair: Recognizing the hazards posed by potholes, the Atlanta Department of Transportation has established a dedicated team to promptly address these issues. In 2021 alone, more than 4,000 potholes were patched throughout Atlanta. This ongoing effort plays a pivotal role in enhancing overall road safety, given the high volume of traffic on Atlanta’s streets, which can lead to an increased occurrence of potholes compared to other regions.
- Road Resurfacing: Beyond pothole repair, Atlanta is committed to addressing uneven road surfaces that challenge safe navigation. Plans are in place to completely resurface hazardous roads, promoting smoother travel and reduced safety risks. While resurfacing may necessitate temporary road closures and lane shutdowns, it is a critical strategy to prevent road deterioration over time, thereby ensuring safer conditions for Atlanta’s drivers. The Atlanta DOT also aims to expand road infrastructure and address potential road-related issues, further enhancing the overall driving experience.
- Increased Road Construction: Commuters in Atlanta can expect increased road construction activities as the Atlanta Department of Transportation strives to widen roads, enhance road smoothness, and improve overall travel conditions. While such construction may temporarily disrupt daily commutes, it will ultimately result in improved infrastructure that enhances road safety. Additional lanes and improved roads will help alleviate congestion issues that often plague Atlanta’s streets due to inadequate infrastructure.
- Combating Drunk Driving: In tandem with infrastructure improvements, the Atlanta Police Department has intensified efforts to identify and apprehend intoxicated drivers. Particularly during the summer months, the police department deploys targeted traffic stops and checkpoints to detect and remove drunk drivers from the road, thereby enhancing driver safety. The presence of these checkpoints can also serve as a deterrent, discouraging individuals from driving under the influence and promoting responsible decision-making.
- Speed Enforcement: To curb speeding behaviors among motorists, the Atlanta Police Department is cracking down on speeders through speed traps. These enforcement measures aim to apprehend speeding drivers and encourage all motorists to reduce their speed, especially in congested areas. Speed traps also provide valuable data on areas prone to speeding, enabling the implementation of infrastructure improvements, increased police presence, or other measures to reduce accident risks.
Injured?
Our legal team boasts extensive experience in handling various accident cases, including car and truck collisions. We are dedicated to helping you secure the compensation you rightfully deserve, whether your injury resulted from another driver’s negligence, recklessness, or other factors. Facing the aftermath of an accident can be daunting, and we are here to shoulder the legal burdens while you focus on your recovery.
It is essential to note that, in most personal injury cases, you have a two-year window to file a lawsuit, known as the statute of limitations. Taking prompt action in the event of an injury caused by someone else’s negligence is wise, as it allows the defendant or their insurance company time to assess your case and allocate the necessary resources. Don’t hesitate to contact us now to protect your rights and explore your legal options.
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