Atlanta’s action plan for safer streets was put in place due to tire blowouts, potholes and other defects causing hazard to vehicles. Sadly, these hazards can lead to auto accidents and injuries.
Most of all motor vehicle accidents happen in or around intersections, and Atlanta is no exception; as they are hotspots for other vehicles and pedestrians. Between traffic control engineering, driving distractions, road defects – all in a metropolitan area – this is a cocktail for disaster.
Driver safety in Atlanta:
Atlanta is a melting pot of people from all over the U.S., and they bring with them their driving styles and culture. A good safety tip is to be a defensive driver. If you ask most people, they will tell you they are a ‘good’ driver. However, oftentimes, it’s the other drivers and the unexpected road conditions you have to look out for.
Give yourself enough time to get to your destination without going over the speed limit and for things that may happen that are out of your control. Without fail, you can anticipate one or more accidents on either highway in Atlanta on any given day.
Road accident prevention in Atlanta:
Study your travel route. Do your best to study the road for high congestion, road defects, and Atlanta’s favorite, one way streets that are all called Peachtree. Being familiar with your route helps to reduce anxiety which can lead to road rage.
Whenever possible, take advantage of MARTA, Atlanta’s Metro Atlanta Rapid Transportation Authority. Atlanta’s traffic is like a partner you’ve known for two years, it is what it is. Why not give yourself a break and let someone else get you there.
Atlanta Road Safety, Traffic Challenges:
Many areas in Atlanta are ‘share the road’ friendly. This is promoted as positive for health, community and environment friendly. However, it comes with its own unique set of challenges like blind spots and speed sensitivity. Familiarizing yourself with the laws pertaining to – right of way, sidewalks, hand signals, riding abreast, bicycle passengers and aggressive driving – can help all parties learn more about sharing the road safely.
Just a helpful hint: vehicles with an engine are not always presumed to have the right away. Who does? Like most legal answers, it depends. Which is why taking the proverbial high road, and yielding, is always a safe bet.
Pedestrians:
A quick story will help in understanding pedestrians who often believe that them having the right of way is absolute. One night a lady was driving home from an event. She wasn’t under the influence of alcohol or any other substance. As she approached the stop light, which also provided a right turning lane with a light, she began to slow to just to make sure it was safe for her to continue through the green light. Out of nowhere, three pedestrians who had been under the influence decided that they were going to beat the driver’s vehicle and the light and run across the street. Two of them made it, but the third one didn’t. She was badly injured and had to go to the hospital. Who was at fault? Again, it depends. But we clearly know who was irresponsible.
Everyone sharing the road, in any capacity, has a duty of care. Ignorance of this fact is not a legal argument.
Let’s read 5 QandA questions related to this topic.
What are the most dangerous intersections in Atlanta for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists?
Peachtree and Lenox Road in Buckhead neighborhood, Memorial Drive and North Hairston Road in Stone Mountain, Covington Highway and Panola Road in Lithonia, State and Medlock Bridge Road in Johns Creek, East Park Place and Stone Mountain Highway, Northside Drive and 14th Street, I-285 near the I-20 and Camp Creek Parkway Interchange in South Fulton, Ponce de Leon Avenue and Juniper Street, Buford Highway and Clairmont Road, Godby Road and Old National Highway, Metropolitan Parkway in Southwest Atlanta, Tom Moreland Interchange (Spaghetti Junction) – two large interstates, I85 and I285 both cross here. This is not a full list, but we hope this helps in planning your commute.
How can a cyclist stay safe while riding in busy Atlanta streets?
-Making themselves aware of the Georgia bike laws.
-Wear a high-quality helmet that meets the American National Standards Institute.
-Wear reflective clothing, especially at night, to enhance visibility.
-Carefully plan the route using maps designed for cyclists.
-Utilize bike-friendly routes that prioritize safety over speed and ride defensively by having an escape route planned.
Can we practically prevent the common causes of pedestrian road accidents, and maintain driving safety in Georgia?
Yes. For pedestrians, as frustrating as it may be, use the carefully engineered crosswalks to ensure your safety and also use them as legal safeguards should something happen. For vehicles, adhere to hands free driving and do your best to not to be distracted by music and conversations. 20% of drivers in Atlanta got into a collision because of distracted driving. This percentage is 100% preventable.
What should drivers be aware of when navigating Atlanta’s roads during peak traffic hours?
Be aware of yourself and your temperament, because everything else is out of your control. Remember, the goal is to get to your destination safely and home each night.
How do Atlanta’s road conditions and infrastructure contribute to road accidents, and what can be done to improve drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists safety in Atlanta?
Atlanta’s road infrastructure is bad, that is a fact. That is why tax paying citizens have to hold their elected officials accountable. Go to the meetings, make the complaints, because you are choosing to live in that city, so demand safe roads for you and your family.
