100 Deadliest Days of Summer

The summer months are often seen as a time of relaxation and leisure, filled with family vacations, celebrations, and the long-awaited school break. However, for motorists and pedestrians, this period from Memorial Day to Labor Day, known as the "Hundred Deadliest Days of Summer," presents a heightened risk of motor vehicle accidents. At the Law Offices of Kyle E. Koester, LLC, we are committed to raising awareness about the dangers associated with this period and providing legal assistance to those affected by traffic accidents.

Increased Teen Traffic in Georgia

One of the primary contributors to the rise in traffic accidents during the summer months is the significant increase in teen drivers on the road. With schools out of session, teenagers have more free time to travel, often leading to longer and more frequent trips. According to the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, drivers aged 16-19 are three times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash compared to older drivers.

Several factors contribute to the elevated risk among teen drivers, including lack of experience, propensity for risk-taking behaviors, and increased likelihood of distracted driving. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that inexperience, coupled with a tendency to underestimate or not recognize hazardous situations, significantly raises the risk of accidents involving young drivers.

Vacationers and Increased Traffic Volume

The summer season also sees an influx of vacationers, both local and from out of state, leading to increased traffic volumes on Georgia’s roads and highways. Popular destinations such as the Georgia coast, Atlanta’s numerous attractions, and the scenic Appalachian region draw thousands of visitors, exacerbating congestion and raising the potential for accidents.

Data from the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) indicates a marked increase in traffic incidents during summer months, with a notable spike during holiday weekends such as Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day. The influx of unfamiliar drivers can result in increased instances of unsafe lane changes, failure to adhere to speed limits, and other traffic violations, all of which contribute to the heightened accident rates.

DUI Accidents On the Rise During the Summer Months

Summer celebrations often involve alcohol consumption, leading to a surge in DUI-related accidents. The NHTSA highlights that nearly one-third of all traffic fatalities in the United States involve drunk drivers, and the summer months are no exception. In Georgia, law enforcement agencies ramp up DUI enforcement efforts during this period, yet the prevalence of impaired driving remains a significant concern.

Case law further underscores the severe consequences of DUI-related incidents. In State v. Capps, 273 Ga. 414 (2001), the Georgia Supreme Court reinforced the state’s stringent stance on DUI offenses, emphasizing the heightened penalties and legal repercussions for those convicted of driving under the influence. This case, among others, illustrates the judiciary's commitment to mitigating the risks associated with impaired driving.

Distracted Driving Causes Georgia Accidents

Distracted driving is another critical issue that sees an uptick during the summer. With more people on the road, distractions such as mobile phones, GPS devices, and even passengers can lead to devastating accidents. The NHTSA reports that distracted driving claimed 3,142 lives in 2019 alone, and the numbers tend to rise during periods of high traffic volume.

The Georgia Governor's H.E.A.T. Initiative

In response to the alarming rise in traffic accidents during the summer, Georgia has implemented the 100 Days of Summer H.E.A.T. (Highway Enforcement of Aggressive Traffic) campaign. This multi-jurisdictional highway safety program is designed to reduce fatal crash counts during Georgia’s deadly holiday driving period from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Law enforcement partners operate 100 Days of Summer H.E.A.T. in all corners of the state, targeting unsafe motorists ranging from drunk drivers and aggressive speeders to distracted drivers who continue to text while behind the wheel.

The H.E.A.T. campaign, active in Georgia since 2004, kicks off each year to coincide with the national Memorial Day Click It or Ticket seatbelt campaign. This combination ensures that police officers, sheriff’s deputies, and state troopers work together to remove some of Georgia’s most dangerous offenders from the road. The core of H.E.A.T. is an enforcement campaign: if you’re speeding, you’ll be cited; if you fail to properly buckle your safety belt or that of your child, you will be cited; and if you’re cited for drunk driving, you’ll go straight to jail.

Speeding is regarded as a high-risk behavior, akin to texting and driving under the influence (DUI), due to its lethal potential. The statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) underscore the deadly consequences of speeding:

• 2010: 217 speed-related fatalities
• 2011: 220 speed-related fatalities
• 2012: 180 speed-related fatalities
• 2013: 197 speed-related fatalities
• 2014: 213 speed-related fatalities
• 2015: 268 speed-related fatalities
• 2016: 266 speed-related fatalities
• 2017: 248 speed-related fatalities
• 2018: 268 speed-related fatalities
• 2019: 260 speed-related fatalities

The H.E.A.T. initiative is a critical component of Georgia's strategy to combat the surge in traffic accidents during the summer months, emphasizing the importance of strict enforcement and public awareness.

Memorial Day Weekend and Increased Risks

During Memorial Day weekend, road travel increases significantly, making it more likely for people to get into accidents. Higher traffic volumes combined with holiday festivities often lead to an uptick in risky driving behaviors, such as speeding, aggressive driving, and impaired driving. This period serves as a stark reminder of the importance of road safety and vigilance.

The Deadliest Months

Atlanta attorneys know that the warm weather months are some of the deadliest on the road. This is due to the addition of vacationers and holiday traffic. On a national level, the months of May-October average more than 3,000 deaths per month.

Common Atlanta Car Accidents

With six interstate highways moving traffic through Atlanta, the capital city is a major transportation hub. When you consider that Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is the second busiest airport in the nation, it is easy to understand why this area is prone to car accidents. Here are the most common accidents in the Atlanta, Georgia area:

• Rear-End Collision: Often the result of the rear vehicle not paying attention or following too closely, leading to head and neck injuries, including whiplash.
• Head-On Collision: Frequently involves drivers under the influence, resulting in serious injuries or fatalities.
• Sideswipe Accidents: Typically occur on expressways when two vehicles try to move into a center lane simultaneously.
• Rollover Accidents: Can be fatal, often caused by losing control on slippery roads or taking a curve too fast.
• Side Impact Collision: Occurs at intersections, often causing severe injuries or death.
• Multiple Car Collision: Happens due to low visibility, unsafe speeds, or tailgating, requiring complex liability determination.
• Single Car Accidents: Even without another vehicle involved, passengers can suffer injuries and may seek compensation.

Steps to Take After a Georgia Accident

When an accident happens, your adrenaline is pumping, and you may not recognize the seriousness of your injuries. Do not tell anyone, including witnesses, police, or paramedics, that you are okay. Allow paramedics to check you out and transport you for additional treatment if necessary. If you do not think you have any injuries, simply tell those who ask that you will seek medical attention on your own. It is important when filing a lawsuit that you obtain medical attention as quickly as possible following an accident.

If possible, take photographs of the accident scene, including the placement of the vehicles and their damage. Obtain the names and contact information of any witnesses. This information, along with copies of the police report, medical records, and medical bills, will assist your car accident attorney when negotiating with insurance companies.

As soon as possible after the accident, contact an accident attorney. During your consultation, they will give you their legal opinion of your situation. Once hired, they will gather additional evidence and begin negotiations, attempting to resolve your case outside of the court system.

In Georgia, personal injury cases, including those from car accidents, must file a complaint within two (2) years of the date of the accident. Your attorney will make sure they file a lawsuit within this timeframe. If you miss this deadline, you lose your ability to claim compensation due to you.

Filing a Lawsuit After Your Georgia Accident

If your personal injury attorney is unable to negotiate a settlement, they will file a lawsuit prior to the expiration of the state’s Statute of Limitations. Civil lawsuits are lengthy, time-consuming, and must comport with the Rules of Civil Procedure.

• Summons and Complaint: The summons informs the defendant they are being sued. The complaint spells out the allegations in numbered paragraphs and lists the elements of negligence and the compensation requested.
• Answer and Counter Complaint: The defendant has 30 days to file a written response. If they believe you are comparatively negligent, they may file a counter-complaint. Your attorney will prepare an answer, admitting or denying each allegation.
• Discovery: This is an exchange of evidence and demands for documentation. It includes requests for production of documents, interrogatories, requests for admission, and depositions.
• Mediation or Case Evaluation: Parties attempt to reach a settlement using a mediator or panel of attorneys. If successful, it becomes a court order.
• Trial Preparations and Trial: If the matter proceeds to trial, your attorney will prepare witness lists, evidence, and jury instructions, and participate in jury selection. They will present your position, question witnesses, and cross-examine the defendant’s witnesses.

Schedule a Woodstock, GA Attorney Consultation

If you or a loved one are suffering injuries caused by the negligence of another driver, contact the Law Offices of Kyle E. Koester, LLC. Our Atlanta attorneys specialize in personal injuries from car accidents, truck accidents, and traumatic brain injuries (TBI).

Don’t wait until it is too late. Call us now at (770) 744-5250 to schedule a consultation.

This article is general information from the Law Offices of Kyle E. Koester, not legal advice, and reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every case is different — speak with a licensed Georgia attorney about your situation.