Understanding the Most Common Causes of Collisions on Georgia Roads
Every year, millions of drivers experience collisions that could have been avoided. While accidents can happen for many reasons, most collisions are caused by preventable driver behaviors. From distraction and speeding to fatigue and impairment, the same dangerous habits show up again and again on Georgia’s roads.
Understanding what is the most common cause of collisions can help you drive more safely—and if you’ve already been injured, it can help you recognize when another driver’s negligence entitles you to compensation.
At Zdrilich Injury Law, our Duluth auto injury lawyers have seen how devastating even a “minor” crash can be. We’ve helped countless clients recover physically, emotionally, and financially after car accidents caused by another person’s carelessness. Below, we break down the leading causes of car accidents and explain what you can do if you’ve been affected.
The Most Common Causes of Collisions
1. Distracted Driving
If you’ve ever glanced at your phone while driving, adjusted your GPS, or reached for something on the passenger seat, you’ve experienced the number-one cause of modern car crashes: distraction.
According to the CDC, distracted driving kills eight people every day in the U.S. — and that number includes pedestrians and cyclists.
The most dangerous distractions combine three types of inattention:
- Visual: taking your eyes off the road
 - Manual: taking your hands off the wheel
 - Cognitive: taking your mind off driving
 
Texting and driving is the perfect storm—it engages all three forms of distraction. At highway speed, a five-second glance at a phone is the same as driving the length of a football field with your eyes closed.
How to prevent it:
- Keep your phone on “Do Not Disturb” while driving.
 - Pre-set your music and navigation before you start.
 - Pull over safely if you need to handle something urgent.
 - Model distraction-free driving for teens and passengers.
 
The takeaway: The most common cause of a collision is still human distraction—and it’s 100% preventable.
2. Driving Under the Influence
Alcohol and drug impairment remain leading causes of fatal car crashes across the country. In Georgia, about one in three traffic deaths involve a driver with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher.
What happens as BAC increases
- 0.02%: Slight loss of judgment, relaxed feeling
 - 0.05%: Reduced coordination, decreased alertness
 - 0.08%: Impaired reasoning, poor balance, delayed reaction
 - 0.15%: Major balance loss, vomiting, and extreme impairment
 
Even small amounts of alcohol or marijuana slow reaction time and reduce the brain’s ability to process changing road conditions. Cannabis use, which is becoming more common nationwide, also affects coordination and judgment. Studies show drivers with marijuana in their systems are up to 25% more likely to crash.
Key message: Impaired driving is not just about alcohol—any substance that affects your reaction time or awareness is a danger.
3. Drowsy Driving
The CDC defines drowsy driving as operating a vehicle while sleepy or fatigued—and it’s more common than most people realize. Sleep deprivation, medications, untreated sleep disorders, or working long shifts can all lead to fatigue behind the wheel.
Driving while tired affects your brain much like alcohol does:
- Slows reaction time
 - Reduces attentiveness
 - Impairs decision-making
 
According to studies, being awake for 18 hours can make you drive as poorly as if you had a BAC of 0.05%. After 24 hours without sleep, it’s closer to 0.10%.
Who’s most at risk:
- Night-shift workers
 - Commercial drivers
 - People taking sedating medications
 - Individuals with sleep disorders
 
If you feel drowsy: pull over and rest. A quick 20-minute nap can save your life—or someone else’s.
4. Speeding
For over 20 years, speeding has been linked to one in three traffic fatalities in the U.S. Yet it remains one of the most frequent—and overlooked—forms of reckless driving.
Speeding increases crash risk by:
- Reducing your ability to react in time
 - Increasing the distance needed to stop
 - Decreasing the effectiveness of seatbelts and airbags
 - Magnifying the force of impact
 
Drivers speed for all kinds of reasons—running late, frustration, or simply habit—but the consequences can be deadly.
Tips to stay safe:
- Give yourself extra time to reach your destination.
 - Match your speed to weather and road conditions.
 - Remember that speeding rarely saves time but always increases risk.
 
5. Aggressive and Reckless Driving
Nearly 80% of U.S. drivers report having experienced road rage or aggressive driving in the past month. Actions like tailgating, weaving through traffic, running red lights, or intentionally blocking other cars dramatically raise the odds of a collision.
Aggressive driving becomes road rage when it escalates into acts like ramming, yelling, or forcing other vehicles off the road.
To stay safe:
- Stay calm and don’t engage.
 - Let aggressive drivers pass.
 - Report extreme behavior if you feel endangered.
 
Remember: no argument or moment of anger is worth your life.
6. Night Driving
The National Safety Council calls nighttime the most dangerous time to drive. Limited visibility, glare, and driver fatigue all contribute to higher accident rates after dark.
Even high-beam headlights only illuminate about 500 feet ahead, and standard lights just 250 feet. At 60 mph, that gives you about three seconds to react to an obstacle. Add speeding or distraction, and the risk skyrockets.
Safety reminders for night driving:
- Keep your windshield and headlights clean.
 - Dim interior lights and avoid looking directly at oncoming headlights.
 - Slow down and increase your following distance.
 
7. Inclement Weather and Poor Road Conditions
Roughly 21% of all vehicle crashes in the U.S. are weather-related, with rain being the most frequent factor. Wet roads reduce tire traction and visibility, while fog and ice create unpredictable hazards.
In Georgia, sudden summer downpours and black ice during winter mornings make local drivers particularly vulnerable.
Tips for driving safely in bad weather:
- Reduce speed and avoid sudden movements.
 - Keep a greater distance between vehicles.
 - Replace worn wiper blades and tires regularly.
 - Avoid cruise control on wet roads.
 
Even though the weather can’t be controlled, how drivers respond to it often determines whether a crash occurs.
Common Damages After a Collision
After a collision, the financial and emotional toll can be overwhelming. Victims often face medical expenses, missed work, and lasting pain. Every case is different, but here are the most common types of recoverable damages in Georgia car accident cases:
Medical Expenses
Covers emergency care, surgeries, medication, physical therapy, and ongoing treatment. Future medical costs can also be included in a settlement.
Pain and Suffering
Compensation for the physical and emotional pain caused by the crash. Even non-life-threatening injuries can result in chronic discomfort or trauma.
Lost Wages
If your injuries prevent you from working, you can seek compensation for lost income during your recovery period.
Diminished Earning Capacity
For serious injuries that permanently affect your ability to work or advance in your career.
Property Damage
Covers repair or replacement of your vehicle and other personal property damaged in the crash.
Emotional Distress
Anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are common after major accidents. These psychological effects are valid and compensable damages.
Finding a Reliable Duluth Auto Injury Lawyer
After a collision, having the right attorney can make all the difference. At Zdrilich Injury Law, our team has years of experience handling complex car accident cases throughout Georgia.
What Our Lawyers Do for You
- Investigate the cause of the crash and identify all liable parties
 - Gather evidence like phone records, witness statements, and police reports
 - Negotiate aggressively with insurance companies
 - Calculate your full damages, including future expenses and non-economic losses
 - Take your case to trial if necessary
 
Why Choose Zdrilich Injury Law
We provide personalized attention, not cookie-cutter representation. You’ll work directly with an attorney who understands Georgia law and who’s dedicated to maximizing your compensation. Our firm has built its reputation on preparation, persistence, and proven results.
If you’re unsure who caused your accident or how to move forward, don’t try to navigate the process alone—our Duluth auto injury lawyers are here to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common cause of a collision?
Most collisions are caused by 
human error, especially distracted driving. Texting, talking on the phone, or simply losing focus for a few seconds are among the top contributing factors.
Are weather conditions or road hazards considered causes of car accidents?
Yes, weather and road conditions contribute to about one-fifth of U.S. crashes each year, but they’re rarely the sole cause. In most cases, driver behavior—like speeding or overreacting—turns bad conditions into collisions.
How do I know if another driver was at fault?
An experienced lawyer can investigate accident reports, witness statements, and digital evidence (like phone records or dashcam footage) to determine fault.
What damages can I recover after a car accident?
You may be entitled to medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, property damage, and emotional distress. In some cases, punitive damages apply if the other driver acted recklessly or intentionally.
Do I need a lawyer if the insurance company already offered a settlement?
Yes. Early offers are often far below what your claim is worth. A Duluth auto injury lawyer can negotiate for the full compensation you deserve.
How long do I have to file a car accident claim in Georgia?
Georgia’s statute of limitations is typically two years from the date of the accident, but it’s best to speak with a lawyer immediately so evidence isn’t lost.
Contact Zdrilich Injury Law Today
If you’ve been injured in a collision caused by another driver’s negligence, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone.
Our Duluth auto injury lawyers at Zdrilich Injury Law are ready to help you recover the compensation you deserve for your medical bills, lost income, and pain. We’ll handle the insurance companies and legal process—so you can focus on healing.
Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn your options.
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