Georgia Injury Law Blog

Close to 600 auto accidents in Gwinnett County, Georgia, last week were blamed on hazardous road conditions caused by icy roads. These accidents included a 15-car pileup on Peachtree Industrial Boulevard. Fortunately, none of these auto accidents ended in fatalities.

However, according to police, at least nine accidents resulted in occupants becoming trapped in their vehicles. They were 27 hit-and-run accidents reported. There was also at least one pedestrian accident that ended with injuries. In Cherokee County alone, police handled more than 300 accident cases. Meanwhile, in the metro Atlanta area, roadways were shut down, and schools were closed as a precautionary measure.

The hazardous road conditions were created after a mass of Arctic air collided with the moist air, creating a thin coating of ice on the roadways. Emergency rescue departments in Gwinnett County found themselves overwhelmed with thousands of calls for rescue, not just from accident victims, but also calls related to structure and wood fires.

The icy spell also hit Missouri and Alabama, and there have been at least three accident fatalities in Alabama. Fortunately, this spell of poor weather in Georgia has resulted in no deaths.

The poor driving conditions have also resulted in a torrent of criticism against the Department of Transportation. One of the main points of criticism is that GDOT crews delayed salting of the roads. Earlier action by the GDOT could have removed some of the slippery ice, thereby preventing many of the accidents. By the time GDOT crews got to work, however, cars were already slipping and skidding off the roads. In the opinion of Atlanta car accident lawyers the GDOT should have been better prepared to handle dangerous roadway conditions during suddenly icy weather, just as it was during this time last year. 

Posted By Robert Katz In Weather | 0 Comments Permalink

Last year, Atlanta motorists were treated to an unusual experience - sudden and unexpected snowstorms that contributed to icy roads, poor visibility and an increased number of auto accidents, truck accidents and motorcycle accidents. Since Atlanta and Georgia in general only gets a snowstorm once every year or two, motorists are unable to deal with suddenly slippery conditions and accidents result. Winter has already begun much earlier than usual in some parts of Georgia, and it's important for drivers to be prepared for any sudden change in weather conditions that can increase the risks of accidents.

Extreme winter weather means ice, snow and sleet on the roads, creating increasingly slippery conditions. Motorists driving in such conditions are much more likely to lose control of their vehicles. Even worse, if your car not been prepared for driving through snow, you can expect a breakdown. Stay safe this winter by being prepared for extreme weather.

Make sure that your car is primed for winter driving. Fluid levels, particularly anti-freeze fluids, must be topped. Keep your gas tank as full as possible. Last year’s snowstorms caught everybody by surprise.

Check your tires frequently, and make sure that they have adequate tread. Keep your car stocked with emergency supplies, including food, water, snow scraper, flares and gloves. A sudden breakdown in the middle of holiday traffic on a snow-covered road, could mean waiting in your car for hours until rescue arrives.

Make sure that the car’s electronic stability control system and automatic braking system are functioning properly. The risks of an accident from hydroplaning or loss of control are higher when you're driving even at normal speeds on a slippery road.

Also make sure that you switch off your water sprinkler systems at night before you go to bed. During icy weather, water on the road can quickly freeze, creating icy spots that can take a motorist unawares, and cause an accident.

The Atlanta car accident lawyers at the Katz Law Firm represent injured victims of auto accidents across Georgia.

Posted By Robert Katz In Weather | 0 Comments Permalink