Georgia’s Head-On Collision Prevention

Head-on car accidents remain some of the deadliest types of auto collisions. While advances in auto safety have reduced both the occurrence and death rate of head-on collisions, true progress will most likely come via preventative measures enacted on a local, state, and even federal level. What can Georgia do now to reduce the number of deaths resulting from these crashes?

Understanding head-on collisions

Compared to other types of accidents, such as rear-end or sideswipe crashes, head-on car crashes continue to be the most dangerous in terms of fatalities and injuries. One reason they are so deadly is that in many other accidents only one vehicle is moving at speed, so an impact will only take the brunt of that vehicle’s speed. However, in a head-on collision, both vehicle’s speeds must be taken into consideration, leading to more severe consequences for victims.

Preventing head-on collisions

The causes of head-on collisions are nearly always human error: for whatever reason, the driver has left his or her own lane of travel and entered the space of law-abiding, safe drivers who may not have the space or time to avoid an accident. Many new cars now come with lane departure warnings that generate a warning noise and light if the vehicle crosses over a roadway line. Other technological prevention measures include cameras and other sensors aimed at the driver, which can “take over” by applying brakes if the driver appears to be incapable of doing so for him or herself. Vehicle manufacturers are offering a wide array of so-called “semi-autonomous” safety features, which work by monitoring the path of the vehicle. These systems can avoid or minimize the risk to people and property in collisions. But there are other, less individualized ways to address the same issue.

Roadway design options to reduce head-on collisions

New features in luxury vehicles designed to improve safety are an excellent start, but not all, or even most, of the vehicles currently on the road include these features. With smart roadway design on a statewide level, however, any driver can have a better chance of avoiding a crash and the accompanying injuries and pain. Generous medians, with a variety of barriers, between opposing streams of traffic are a well-documented way of minimizing collisions. Crashing into a barrier is not ideal, but could prevent a far more serious accident. Another common cause of head-on collisions is when a driver enters a roadway in the wrong direction, due to inadequate or obscured signage or lighting. Simple measures such as regular pruning of nearby foliage and timely maintenance of street lights at all entry and exit ramps could make a significant reduction in the number of head-on car accidents which Georgia drivers experience.

Because many head-on collisions are the result of another driver’s inattention, inebriation, or other incapacitation, they also frequently lead to litigation on behalf of the injured party or bereaved family.  If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a head-on accident, you may be looking for answers and justice. The seasoned and adept Georgia auto accident attorneys at Harris Lowry Manton LLP, are here to help your family navigate the legal process. To arrange a no-obligation consultation, give our firm a call at 404-961-7650 for our Atlanta office, 912-651-9967 for our Savannah office, or complete our contact form.