Georgia Expands Highway Safety Efforts

By Grant Law Office on June 17, 2015

Within the past two months, 10 people have been killed along the I-16 near Savannah in truck-related chain reaction crashes. In an effort to deter dangerous drivers and prevent future fatal truck accidents, Governor Deal has announced a significant increase in the number of highway safety officers. According to a WSAV news report, The Georgia Department of Public Safety and the Georgia Port Authority are partnering to add 60 commercial vehicle enforcement officers. Officials hope the increase in activity will decrease the number of crashes along Georgia highways.

These officers will work with the 234 commercial vehicle enforcement officials who are already serving the 10 local regions. The additional officers will focus on areas that are particularly hazardous for truck drivers and passengers, such as the I-16, I-95, the Atlanta metro area, and part of the I-85 south of Atlanta. If successful, they will help prevent the kind of chain reaction truck accidents that have proved so costly of late.

Tractor-trailers on Georgia’s highways often weigh as much as 80,000 pounds. These huge vehicles can easily crush multiple vehicles at highway speeds. This is why it is important for police officers to keep truck drivers in line and for car drivers to keep their distance.

Whenever you are driving near a tractor-trailer, it is advisable to:

• Remain a few car lengths behind the trailer.
• Never cut off or change lanes immediately in front of a truck.
• Avoid blind spots directly in front of and in back of the trailer and alongside the back of the trailer.
• Remember that drivers may not see you if you can’t see a side mirror.
• Leave extra space on hills and in wet conditions.
• Notify the authorities if you notice a truck driver behaving erratically.

No amount of safe driving habits and law enforcement can prevent all Georgia truck accidents. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a traffic accident, do not hesitate to research your rights and options. Financial support may be available for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering and other related damages. Contact the Grant Law Office for reliable representation and trusted counsel.