Discussions about Georgia car crashes and what causes them often focus on the most egregious traffic violations possible. Obviously, getting behind the wheel while drunk or on drugs is a major safety concern, as is the choice to text while driving. However, most people actively try to avoid these known safety risks. They would never dream of driving themselves home after drinking too much or texting while driving on the freeway. However, they might regularly commit far less serious traffic infractions.
Many people fall victim to the assumption that minor traffic violations are victimless crimes rather than serious safety issues period. Yet, all three of the minor traffic infractions below can potentially lead to major motor vehicle collisions.
Speeding
If there is one traffic violation that people readily admit to committing, speeding is probably it. Many people speed routinely speed and may travel at 15 or even 20 miles above the posted speed limit. This seemingly ubiquitous habit could ultimately increase both someone’s chance of causing a crash and the severity of any crash that occurs.
Tailgating
Tailgating is often a byproduct of speeding. Drivers who feel pressure to get somewhere quickly often fail to leave enough space between their vehicles and others in traffic. The law in Georgia does require that people maintain a safe following distance, just like they should follow posted speed limits. Drivers who don’t leave enough space may not be able to stop in time when traffic conditions change and could cause preventable crashes.
Failing to use turn signals
Tailgating is one reason why many rear-end crashes end up being the fault of the vehicle in back. However, drivers cannot always react appropriately to others in traffic because motorists fail to communicate their intentions. Not using a turn signal means that others do not know what to expect and cannot adjust their habits for optimal safety. Someone who doesn’t use a turn signal could cause a rear-end crash or an intersection collision that disables their vehicle.
For many drivers, small mistakes can be as risky as major oversights in traffic. Connecting seemingly harmless traffic habits to elevated crash risk might help people hold the right party accountable after a crash.
