Gwinnett county police report stated that February 21, 2018 Vehicle 1 was driving behind Vehicle 2 in a drive-thru at McDonald‘s, when he answered his phone and his foot slipped off the brake pedal and rear-ended Vehicle 2.  Driver 1 had just placed her order and dropped some change, so she opened her door.  When Vehicle 1 struck Vehicle 2 it caused the door to drag alongside the wall of the Popeye’s. There was slight damage to the car door, as well as the rear bumper on Vehicle 2, and just a little damage to Vehicle1.  Neither of the drivers reported any injuries.  Note:  Pay attention to the car ahead while waiting in line, and keep your foot on the pedal. 

Gwinnett County accident report stated that on February 21, 2018 Vehicle 1 was traveling NB in the inside lane at the intersection of Spring Road and Carolyn Drive.  Driver 1 said she stopped, waiting for the light to change.  Vehicle 2 was also traveling NB in the inside turn lane at the same intersection.  Driver 1 was following too closely to Vehicle 2 and her stated that her foot slipped off the brake pedal.  As a result, her car struck the bumper of Vehicle 2.  Neither complained of any injuries. Driver 1 was cited for following too closely and for a retired registration.  Note: Pay Attention and wear proper shoes! 

Fulton County accident report stated that on January 26, 2018 Driver 1 attempted to make a left turn driving out of the Texaco Gas Station on Hill Street and enter the median lane, but struck Vehicle 2 on the left side. Vehicle 2 was in the median lane, and Driver 2 was about 20 yards away from the light, when Vehicle 1 came out of the gas station and ran into her vehicle. Driver 1 was cited for Failure to Yield While Entering the Highway and Driver 2, who was in the turning lane too early to bypass traffic, was cited for Failure to Maintain Lane. Both drivers were at fault! Driver 2 stated that she felt pain in both knees and Grady 366 came to the scene and treated all parties. No one was transported for further care. No vehicles were towed. 

Note: Observe all the MV rules when driving! 

Fulton County/Union City accident report stated that on January 25, 2018 Driver 1 was attempting to make a left turn at the intersection of SR 138 and 4735 SR 138. Driver 1 stated that he had the green light, but that in the middle of his turn he observed Vehicle 2 approaching quickly, and that Vehicle 2 struck his vehicle. Driver 2 stated that she was traveling WB on SR 138 when Vehicle 1 turned left in front of her and that she was unable to stop in time to avoid the collision. Driver 2 complained of injuries from the air bag, but refused EMS services.  There was extensive damage to both vehicles and both vehicles had to be towed from the scene. Driver 1 was cited for failure to yield while turning left. Note: Vehicles in the flow of traffic have the right of way, and turning vehicles always have to yield.  

Fulton County/Union City accident report stated that on January 25, 2018 Vehicle 1 was traveling North in the number 3 lane on I-85N. Vehicle 2 was traveling North on I-85 in lane 4. Driver 2 stated that Vehicle 1 merged into the number 4 lane, where he was traveling, and struck his vehicle on the left front. Passenger 2, who was seated in the front passenger seat, complained of wrist pain, but did not require EMS treatment. No other injuries were reported.  

Moderate damage was reported on both vehicles. Driver 1 was cited for failure to maintain lane. Note: The vehicle in the lane always has the right of way. 

Clayton County accident report stated that on January 24, 2018 Driver 1 was traveling SB on Hwy 85 in the left turning lane to make a left onto Lamar Hutcheson Pkwy.  He stated that he was slowing down for the red light, but his brakes went out and he couldn’t stop. He rear-ended Vehicle 2. Driver 2 was in the turn lane on Hwy 85, stopped at the light when Vehicle 1 ran into the rear of her car. Driver 2 stated that she was experiencing back and neck pain, but refused medical attention. No other injuries were reported. Vehicle 2 had slight damage and the rear bumper was dislocated. Driver 1 was cited for following too closely. Note: It is your responsibility to keep your vehicle in good working order at all times. And when driving, keep your distance at least 1-1.5 car lengths behind the vehicle in front. 

Clayton County accident report stated that on January 24, 2018 Driver 1 was traveling SB on SR 3 and attempted to change lanes when he approached another vehicle, also changing lanes. Driver 1 then sped up when he struck Vehicle 2 in the rear. Driver 1 stated that after the incident he continued to Battle Creek Rd, and did not stop because he was nervous and scared. Driver 2 was also traveling on SR 3 and after he stopped at the red light, Vehicle 2 struck his vehicle in the rear and then fled the scene. Driver 2 followed Vehicle 1, advising Driver 1 to stop. Driver 2 stated that when Driver 1 finally stopped, he got out of his vehicle and began using profanity at him and his wife in the presence of their young son. No injuries were reported and Driver 1 was cited for: 1) driving too closely; 2) leaving the scene of the accident; 3) driving without a license; and 4) possession of less than an ounce of marijuana. Note: When you know you have this many strikes against you, rethink getting behind a wheel & stay home! 

An integrated transportation system combining today’s wireless and digital technologies could largely eliminate traffic congestion delays in metro Atlanta within 10 years. Within 20 years, the near universal automation of automobile headway control should give current freeway systems all the capacity needed – even considering population increases.   

The rise of services that use cellphone apps to enhance shared rides and cars, parking assistance and simple methods of making transportation payments is but a hint of what is possible. What is the bottom line? An information-intensive transit system can greatly reduce urban congestion at a fraction of the cost of a road-intensive solution. 

Today, with Georgia Tech as a significant player, the state of Georgia can be a national leader in this high-tech approach to enhancing quality of life. It will require participation from major governmental and private parties, including the Georgia Department of Transportation, MARTA and the Atlanta Regional Commission, as well as local Community Improvement Districts and high-tech startups. 

Let’s imagine that you and most other regular users of Atlanta’s roads were subscribers to a smartphone-based master app would tell you with near certainty the arrival time of a shared vehicle – whether it be a carpool, taxi, MARTA bus or train. It would alert you when it’s time to leave your location to be on time to catch the ride. The app  would also  arrange for a shared ride or rental car with ease. There need be no fixed schedule like ordinary carpools have, but you could have a fixed schedule that is changeable in real time. The best shared rides could include transit. 

You would have automated payments for shared rides, rental cars, buses and tolls. You don’t even need to take out your smartphone. This greatly simplifies the user experience. If you drove your personal car to work, transit or even at home, it could be a shared car. That would allow others greater flexibility to make the decision not to drive to their destination. 

Many related applications exist today. ZipCar is an early leader in the shared car industry, as is Uber. Here, not only the car is shared, but the driver is paid. These services help solve the “last mile problem” of getting to and from a MARTA stop or carpool pickup point. 

We all know of apps, such as Waze, Google Maps and MapQuest, that plan routes and make drives shorter using voice commands. Such features can, and will be, built into a master app. 

Let’s consider a few near-future changes in the way our freeways operate. Today, we have a high-occupancy toll (HOT) lane on I-85 in metro Atlanta. A smartphone app could enable almost immediate conversion of our high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes to HOT lanes where those with the app get variable fares based on dynamic measurements of occupancy. Maybe four or more passengers actually gets paid to use the lane.  

Also, we might take advantage of more productive ramp metering that adjusts to freeway conditions. Dual ramp lanes would give priority to high-occupancy vehicles. The master app’s knowledge of a vehicle’s planned exit ramp would optimize the system. Note that Atlanta is already a leader in standard ramp metering aimed at avoiding disturbances in traffic flow. 

Finally, for driver and passenger safety, the master app would allow almost instantaneous 911 service. By supporting the development of a master app, Atlanta can become the national leader in making urban transportation efficient. Now is the time to get this solution under way. 

Clayton County accident report stated that on December 10, 2015 Driver 1 attempted to turn left onto Frontage Rd from Forest Parkway. She also stated that Vehicle 2 struck her car when she turned left at the light, which had just turned yellow, and that Driver 2 ran the light. Driver 2 stated that he was traveling very fast EB on Forest Parkway, and that Driver 1 ran the red light. Vehicle 2 spun Vehicle 1 around from the impact of the collision. Driver 1 complained of back pain but refused medical attention.   

Note: Running lights will incur ticket and/or points. 

Fulton County accident report  stated that on December 9, 2015 an officer was called to an accident where both parties claimed injury. Driver 1 admitted that the accident was his fault, when he failed to yield before making a left turn. There was substantial damage to the front bumper and side panel was knocked loose, but he was able to drive his vehicle away.  Driver 2 was traveling NB on Peters St attempting to make a right turn onto McDaniel St and was struck by Vehicle 1. Driver 1 requested towing, but was able to drive his car. He later complained of injuries to his neck and left shoulder, after first denying any injuries. He asked where the nearest hospital was, and said he would drive himself. Driver 1 received a citation for Failure to Yield When Turning Left. Note: Failure to Yield is a Failure.   

Clayton County accident report stated that on December 8, 2015 Driver 1 was pulling out of the parking lot of 5900 block of SR 42 and while making a left, struck vehicle 2. She advised that she was traveling north on SR 42 and once approaching Rex Road, when Vehicle 1 pulled out onto the roadway, struck his vehicle. He advised that he was not injured. Vehicle 1 had minor damage to the front right corner. Vehicle 2 had minor damage to the driver door and panel. Driver 1 was cited for Failure to Yield Right of Way When Entering Roadway. Note: Failure to yield is failure to drive offensively. 

DeKalb County accident report stated that on December 8, 2015 Drivers 1&2 were both traveling south on Moreland. Vehicle 2 was about to turn onto the I-285 entry ramp and stopped for the traffic. Vehicle 1 was directly behind Vehicle 2 and failed to yield to the oncoming traffic. Vehicle 1 struck Vehicle 2 on the rear bumper and side panel. There were no injuries reported and both vehicles were drivable. Driver 1 was cited for Failure to Yield and for Following Too Closely. Note:  If you drive up on another car’s bumper, you will run into it. 

Clayton County accident reported stated that on November 18, 2015 Driver 1 was exiting the Chevron Gas Station on W. Fayetteville Rd onto SR 314 making a left turn when her car was struck by Vehicle 2. After the impact Driver 1 stated that she didn’t see any damage, and that the car she was driving was not hers, and then left the scene. But Driver 2 stated that Vehicle 1 struck his car and left the scene, so he proceeded to follow Vehicle 1 while calling 911 to report the first accident, ran into Vehicle 2, therefore both vehicles were involved in 2 accidents with each other. No injuries were reported and Driver 1 was cited for Failure to Yield While Entering or Crossing a Roadway.  Note: Don’t leave the scene without following up and reporting an accident. 

Clayton County accident report states that on November 18, 2015 Driver 1 was exiting the parking lot of 7529 Hwy 85 onto SR 138, in an attempt to cross SR 138 to get to McElroy Rd and that Driver 2 stopped to allow him to proceed forward, however Driver 2 was still moving in lane 1 and did not see Vehicle 1 until after impact. Driver 2 stated that she was traveling EB on SR138 toward SR85 when Vehicle 1 pulled out in front of her, causing the collision.  No injuries were reported and Driver 1 was cited for Failure to Yield When Entering the Roadway.  Note:  Traffic In the Roadway has the Right of Way! 

Fulton County accident report stated that on November 18, 2015 an officer responded to an accident with injuries at the intersection of Noah’s Ark Rd and Deer Crossing Dr. Upon arriving the CCFD was on the scene treating both drivers.  Driver 2 stated that she was traveling EB when Vehicle 1 entered the roadway from Deer Crossing.  Vehicle 1 struck the left center side of Vehicle 2.  There was moderate damage to Vehicle 2.  Driver 2 was transported by CCFD w back and neck pain.  Driver 1 confirmed this statement.  Driver 1 was cited for Failure to Yield While Turning  and Driving Unlicensed. Note: If you don’t haven’t been licensed to drive — Don’t Drive!