Georgia is rated among the worst states in the United States when it comes to motorist safety. In 2021, Georgia had the 4th highest number of fatalities resulting from car crashes. With over 128,620 miles of road, the extensive road network attracts high-volume traffic, influencing the number of fatal crashes in the state.
Driving under the influence is one of the leading causes of car crash fatalities in Georgia. Distracted driving is another major factor in modern traffic collisions, followed by speeding. Inexperienced driving is also among the state's leading causes of car crashes.
Certain Georgia highways and roads have a higher rate of motor vehicle crashes. These are some of the state's most dangerous roadways for motorists:
Taking prompt and informed action can protect both lives and legal rights in the aftermath of a car accident in Georgia. These are some steps to follow in case of a car crash in the state:
Drivers should remove the vehicle from the highway and locate a safe area near the crash site. Removing the car from the traffic flow significantly reduces the risk of further accidents.
According to state law, leaving the scene of an accident, even a minor one, constitutes a hit-and-run and carries stiff penalties. Drivers should remain at the crash scene and wait for further instructions.
Drivers should activate the vehicle's hazard lights to enhance visibility and alert approaching motorists to the crash ahead. Additionally, drivers can use traffic control devices like safety cones or flares to redirect other vehicles from the scene.
Georgia law requires a driver to immediately report an accident that has resulted in bodily injury, death, or property damage worth $500. Individuals should request a medical emergency team to assist if anyone has been seriously injured during the collision.
Following a car accident, drivers are legally obligated to exchange certain information with all involved parties, including police officers and other drivers. This includes their name, address, insurance information, and car registration number. If the driver does not own the vehicle, they must give the owner's name and address.
Drivers should document the scene with photographs whenever possible. These images can serve as invaluable evidence in legal proceedings and insurance claims, determine the cause and extent of damage, and provide proof of pre-existing damage to vehicles before an accident.
Drivers should file a claim with their respective insurance companies to initiate compensation for any damages or injuries incurred during the accident.
Anyone involved in a traffic collision should always keep records and documentation of accidents. Records like police statements, medical reports, insurance reports, and crash reports are crucial in legal procedures.
Georgia has a set of comprehensive guidelines and regulations that ensure safe vehicle operations. The state has several traffic laws that drivers must adhere to and facts they should understand.
Hands-Free Law
Motorists are prohibited from using or holding a phone with their hands or any part of their body while driving. This includes when the car has stopped at a stop sign or traffic signal.
Drivers cannot write, read, send text, or browse the internet, even using hands-free technology.
Drivers cannot watch videos on the road. However, navigational or GPS videos are allowed.
Seat Belt LawsThe state requires drivers and all front-seat passengers to wear seat belts when vehicles are on any street or highway.
Children aged eight to 15 should always wear safety belts, whether sitting in the front or the back of the car.
Drivers should strap every child under eight into a child safety or booster seat.
Teenage Driving Laws
The legal driving age in the state is 15 years. Students must enroll in driving classes and pass both visual and written tests.
Novice drivers must have completed at least 30 hours of classroom instruction and six hours of behind-the-wheel training. Furthermore, they also need 40 hours of supervised driving, with 6 hours of night driving.
The law prohibits minor drivers from carrying anyone except their family members for the first six months. After six months, a driver can carry one passenger under 21 who is not a family member. After one year, the driver can carry three passengers under 21 who are not their family members.
Teenage drivers are not permitted to drive between 12 a.m. and 5 a.m.
Driving Under the
InfluenceThe state prohibits the operation of motor vehicles by individuals under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
For drivers who are 21 years or older, a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) exceeding 0.08% is subject to charges of driving under the influence (DUI).
The state prohibits minors under 21 from operating motor vehicles if their BAC exceeds 0.02%.
Coasting DownhillDrivers must not coast downhill with the car's transmission set to neutral.
Trucks and buses should never coast downhill with the clutch disengaged.
Cargo Bed Laws
It is illegal for individuals under 18 to ride as passengers in an uncovered truck bed on any interstate highway in Georgia.
Motorcycle Laws
Georgia law states that all motorcycle operators must have a Class M motorcycle license.
The state requires all individuals on a motorcycle to wear helmets on the road.
Move over lawsIn Georgia, drivers should change lanes if a stationary emergency or police vehicle is in front of them and warning lights are turned on.
If the driver cannot switch lanes, they must slow down below the speed limit as they approach a stationary emergency vehicle and prepare to stop if need be.
Car InsuranceAccording to state law, every motor vehicle must possess at least minimum liability coverage during roadway operations.
While driving, drivers must show their insurance documents to the police when requested after an accident.
Road and traffic safety regulations are standard in most states. However, Georgia has unique and weird laws that motorists should know about. Some of these weird regulations include:
Novice and minor drivers can use hands-free devices. Unlike most states in the U.S., Georgia does not prohibit minor drivers from using hands-free devices while operating vehicles.
Wearing headphones. While the use of headphones remains unprohibited, the state mandates that drivers should only use one earpiece while operating a vehicle. Using both earpieces concurrently is a violation of the law.
No speed ticket for Georgia State Assembly. If the Georgia State Assembly is in session, members of the Assembly will not be charged with speeding.
The Slowpoke Law. Drivers cannot camp on the left lane if they are moving slower than the vehicles on the right. Even if drivers are going the speed limit, they are expected to move to the right lane and make room for other cars going faster than them.
Driving a car through a playground. Georgia prohibits drivers from operating vehicles at a speed exceeding 15 mph within 200 feet of a park, historical site, or recreational area.