Vehicle accidents are a common cause of unexpected deaths in Georgia and throughout the United States. However, few accidents are truly accidents. Most could have been avoided if some involved party had exercised reasonable care. While every accident is different, it is possible to learn something about the factors that tend to contribute to fatal accidents by examining the facts.

Statistics compiled by the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety reveal some startling trends regarding highway fatalities in our state:

• In 2011, there were 1,223 highway fatalities in Georgia.
• There were 130 pedestrian fatalities throughout the state.
• Highway fatalities were most prevalent in Fulton, DeKalb and Gwinnett counties. These three counties accounted for 13 percent of the total traffic fatalities in the state.
• Nearly half of traffic fatalities occurred in urban areas.
• Nearly half of those killed in passenger vehicle accidents were not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident.
• Almost one in four traffic fatalities involved an alcohol-impaired driver.
• Fewer than one in five traffic fatalities involved speeding.
• Motorcyclists accounted for approximately eight percent of traffic fatalities.
• Nearly 10 percent of drivers involved in fatal traffic accidents were under the age of 21.

Traffic fatalities are tragic losses that we should all strive to avoid through safe driving and the judicious use of safety devices. However, when a fatal car accident does occur, an experienced Georgia wrongful death attorney can help your family gain some measure of financial security and get justice for the unnecessary loss of your loved one.