The pollen count is up, and Spring Breakers are heading out. Henry County students go on Spring Break next week, and Lamar County students have their break later this month.
As this highly-anticipated week off is staggered for many schools around the country, the month of April is a high risk time for car accidents on busy metro Atlanta highways. Thousands of high school and college students are piling into cars and heading down I-75 to the beach.
As personal injury attorneys, we know that young drivers and crowded cars are a dangerous combination. It’s a good time for parents to take precautionary measures, and urge their students to:
Drive during the day: The car accident fatality rate at nighttime is about three times higher than the daytime rate, according to the NHTSA.
Always wear your seatbelt: Numerous studies show that seatbelts save lives. And stats show that people are less likely to wear their seatbelts at nighttime, compounding the danger of driving after dark.
Limit Distractions: Cellphone use while driving is illegal for all drivers under the age of 18 in Georgia, and for good reason. Inexperienced drivers need to focus on the road without distraction. And while cellphone use is permitted for drivers over the age of 18, texting while driving is not. In addition, limiting the number of passengers in the car will also help the driver focus on the road.
Alcohol: Spring Break is notorious for alcohol consumption. Remind students that the choices they make today can have an immensely positive or negative impact on their lives, and others.
Many families put rules in writing to ensure their student has a clear understanding of what is expected when they get behind the wheel.
It’s also a good idea for people of all ages to use extra caution on the road during the coming weeks, as Spring Break is followed by prom season and graduation parties. We hope everyone enjoys this jubilant time of year safely.
If you were involved in a car accident and need help with your claim, email personal injury attorney John Webb at jwebb@smithwelchlaw.com or call 770-389-4864. Smith, Welch, Webb and White is recognized as a premier law firm throughout the state of Georgia. We have investigated hundreds of automobile collisions and have recovered millions of dollars in compensation for injured clients and families of those killed in wrongful death accidents. Our team of experts routinely handles a wide range of legal matters, and will provide outstanding service for you, your family or your business.
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