With the end of the year approaching, the auto accident statistics for Georgia in 2015 are beginning to come out. Based on early projections, they are not looking good.

So far, there has been a 60 percent rise in the number of single-vehicle accidents throughout the state compared to 2014. Additionally, there has been a 25 percent increase in traffic fatalities in the first quarter of 2015 compared to the same time period in 2014. Some experts believe Georgia could finish the year with the most traffic fatalities it has had in recent memory.

According to the Georgia State Patrol, a big part of why these numbers are increasing is the number of drivers who are distracted behind the wheel. This is, say law enforcement officers, largely because of people who simply cannot put their phones down while they’re driving their cars, whether it’s because they’re talking, texting, looking at social media or otherwise.

The statistics would seem to support this notion. For the most part, multivehicle accident numbers have remained at roughly the same levels. But the stark rise in single-vehicle accidents would indicate driver distraction, accident experts say.

State police aim to reduce Georgia car accidents

In response to the rapid rise in single-vehicle accidents and traffic fatalities, the Georgia State Patrol has begun pushing its “Stop the Threat” initiative. Under the program, if you are involved in a wreck and there is evidence you were distracted, there will likely be heftier penalties involved. One representative from the state Department of Public Safety estimated that 94 percent of all auto accidents happen because people simply are not paying enough attention to the road ahead of them.

Always remember to stay safe while behind the wheel and make good decisions. Keep the phone away, and keep your eyes on the road.

For more information about steps to take after you have been injured in a car accident, contact the trusted Atlanta lawyers at McMenamy Law LLC.