Yellow Lights Mean Slow Down, Not Speed Up
DeKalb County accident report stated that on November 16, 2015 Vehicle 2 was turning left from Northlake Pkwy on Robinhill Rd on a green arrow which indicated to her that it was her turn to turn left. Vehicle 1 was trying to catch the light before it turned red on Northlake Pkwy, per the witness’ statement and struck Vehicle 2 on the passenger side. Both vehicles were towed from the scene with significant damage. Driver 1 was cited for failure to obey traffic signal. Note: Don’t run the light!
Use Safety Brake for Safe Parking
Clayton County accident report states that on September 16, 2015, an officer responded to the scene and stated that the owners of Vehicles 2 and 3 both heard a loud crash outside of their homes, and discovered that Vehicle 1 rolled down her driveway, into the driveway and rear-ended Vehicle 2, which shoved Vehicle 2 into the front of Vehicle 3. All three vehicles were unoccupied at the time of the collision. The owner of Vehicle 1 advised that her vehicle must not have been securely in park, or either jumped a gear, and rolled out of control causing the collision with the other two vehicles. The owners of the other vehicles live across the street from Driver 1 and no one was injured, but the owner of Vehicle was cited for failure to secure her vehicle on an incline. Note: Always use the safety brake when parking on any degree of incline. The slightest degree can cause a car to roll.
Pedestrians Always Have The Right Of Way
Clayton County accident report states that on September 15, 2015 Driver 1 advised that she was backing up from a parking space when she felt someone banging on the trunk of her car and yelling at her to stop. She stopped her vehicle, as both eye witnesses confirmed, but only after striking Pedestrian 1 & 2. Driver 1 stated that she did not realize that she had struck anyone or anything. The two pedestrians were too young to provide statements. The witness stated that while walking through the parking lot, Vehicle 1 started backing out of a parking space. Witness yelled for Driver 1 to stop, but that she didn’t hear or stop, but continued backing up, striking lightly Pedestrian 1 & 2. Neither of the children appeared to be injured. CCFD Engine responded, but transportation to the hospital was declined. Driver 1 was cited for failing to look back to observe surroundings before backing up. Note: Failure to observe surroundings when driving canl result in serious injuries, property damage or worse, someone’s death.
U-Turns Can Be Tricky
Cobb County/Marietta accident report states that on September 14, 2015 an officer was dispatched to the incident location to investigate an accident and that upon arrival, as Driver 1 stated, he was making a U-turn in the middle of So Cobb Drive and his vehicle struck Vehicle 2. Driver 2 advised that he was driving on So Cobb and observed Vehicle 1 in the middle of the roadway. Driver 2 advised me that he was unable to stop, before Vehicle 1 ran into him. Driver 1 was cited for making a U-Turn and Driver 2 was cited for failure to stop for traffic in the roadway. Note: U-Turns are usually not allowed, but when allowed do so cautiously only when there is no oncoming traffic.
Too Close for Comfort
Clayton County accident report states that on September 13, 2015 an officer was dispatched to an accident with injuries at 5905 Hwy 85. When the officer arrived only Driver 2 had complaints of an injury. Driver 2 stated that she was traveling EB on Garden Walk Blvd, preparing to turn into the Garden Walk Apts when Vehicle 1 approached her from behind. She placed her right turn signal on, and started her turn when she was struck from behind by Vehicle 1. Driver 1 stated that he was behind Driver 2, who put on her turn signal, but then suddenly stopped and he was not able to avoid hitting her car in the rear. There were no visible signs of injury, but Driver 2 complained of distress in her neck. Driver 1 was cited for following too close. Note: The correct distance to maintain behind another vehicle in the turn maneuver is 1 car length.
Don’t Attempt to Drive When Exhausted
Cobb County accident reports that on September 10, 2015, Driver 1 said she fell asleep while driving home on SR280/ SB & rolled her vehicle twice, landing upside down in a ditch along the side of the road. Driver 1 stated that she had worked a 12 hr shift after a full 8, and just drifted off. She sustained minor injuries, but the car major damage.
Note: When sleepy, pull over & rest! It could save your life – and other lives!
Good Driving Requires Patience
Cobb County accident report states that on September 10, 2015, the Driver 2 stated that she was exiting I-285W and had stopped at the red light at South Cobb Drive. She also advised that she had stopped behind several cars and that approx 2 seconds after coming to the stop, the car behind her, Driver1, became impatient and tried to leave the far right lane to come around the stopped cars, but ran into the rear of Vehicle 2. The damage to Vehicle 1 was moderate and located on the right front. The damage to Vehicle 2 was extensive, impacting the rear of the vehicle. Driver 1 was not injured, nor the passenger in Vehicle 1, but both Driver 2 and Passenger2 complained of pain in the neck, but refused medical attention. Driver 1 was cited for following too closely. Note: The inability to wait equals a lack of foresight. Wait before you leap!
Eyes Straight Ahead
Cobb County/Smyrna accident report stated that on September 9, 2015, while traveling NW on Atlanta Rd, Vehicle 1 attempted to brake, but could not stop and jumped the turning curb near the E/W Connector and ran into the driver’s door of Vehicle 2, leaving Driver 2 pinned inside her vehicle. Driver 1 stated that while attempting to negotiate the turn, she applied the brakes but found the vehicle unable to stop, and jumped two curbs and struck Vehicle 2. Vehicle 1 suffered major damage. Injuries were reported but Driver refused medical treatment. Driver 2 stated that while traveling SE on Atlanta Rd she heard the scream and immediately felt the impact on her (driver’s) side. Driver 2 was cited for failure to maintain lane. Note: Keep your eyes on the road because your steering follows your focus!
Uninsured and In Error
Fulton County accident report stated that on December 9, 2015 Vehicle 1 was turning left out of the driveway at 7880 Roswell Rd in Sandy Springs, Ga to travel NB on SR9 Roswell Rd. Vehicle 1 entered the roadway in the path of Vehicle 2, which was traveling SB on SR9. Vehicle 2 struck Vehicle 1 and then Vehicle 2 left the roadway as it attempted to avoid a collision. Vehicle 1 sustained extensive damage to its front end. Vehicle 2 sustained moderate visible damage to its front passenger side. Driver 2 was expecting and requested to be, and was checked out by the EMS. No one else required medical attention. Both parties received citations. Vehicle 2 was not insured, and was cited for it. Note: Don’t drive without insurance and don’t turn without yielding!
Drinking & Driving Endangers Everyone
Clayton County accident report states that on September 7, 2015, while traveling SE on Mt Zion Blvd, Vehicle 1 lost control of her vehicle and swerved off the road and then back into another lane, hitting a mailbox and two trees before coming to a stop. down. Vehicle 2 was forced to leave the road to avoid a head on collision, but did receive damage to her front bumper. Driver 1 stated that he didn’t know how or why he lost control, but an open beer bottle was found in the driver’s compartment. Although the officer smelled alcohol on Driver 1, he stated that the beer belonged to a co-worker from the day before. Driver 1 was transported to Atlanta Medical Center for treatment of severe injuries and received multiple citations including DUI, possession of alcohol, failure to maintain lane and destruction of private property. Note: Have a designated driver if you drink.
Look Before You Leap – Out Across Lanes
Clayton County/Morrow accident report states that on September 6, 2015, Driver 1 stopped on Old Rex Morrow Rd EB waiting to turn left on SR42 NB. She said two vehicles traveling SB got over into the right turn lane and she did not see them approaching SB. She pulled out, crossed the SB lane, and the front of her vehicle was hit by Vehicle 2. Driver 2 advised that as she approached the intersection, Vehicle 1 pulled out in front of her. She stated that she could only swerve left in an attempt to avoid the collision, but Vehicle 1 continued to cross the lane, hitting her rear tire. Note: Look first!
Jumped Lanes to Exit
Cobb County accident report states that on September 5, 2015, Vehicles 1 & 2 were traveling SB on I-75 and as Vehicle 1 proceeded to exit on the I-85 ramp from the I-75 lane, and sideswiped Vehicle 2. Vehicle 1 kept driving and fled the scene. No citations were issued, and no injuries reported. Note: Pay attention to overhead road signs and change lanes appropriately.
Just Didn’t See
Cobb County accident report states that on September 5, 2015, Driver 1 advised that she was pulling into a parking spot in front of her business and struck Vehicle 2 on the rear passenger side panel. Driver 1 advised that she did not have her prescription corrective glasses on, that she is required to wear when driving, and just did not see Vehicle 2. Driver 1 was issued a citation for failure to wear corrective glasses. Note: Corrective glasses are always be worn while driving.
Keep a Watchful Eye Out For Falling Tree Limbs After Rain
Cobb County accident report states that on September 4, 2015 Driver 1 advised that while traveling EB on Freeman Rd a large tree branch fell on top of his vehicle. He advised the officer on call that he barely escaped serious injury, as the branch fell just as he exited the car! This driver experienced several scratches as the large branch fell on the hood of the vehicle. The damage to the vehicle was cracked windshield and severe dent on the vehicle’s roof. Note: Be watchful of debris after hard showers.
Fender Bender
Clayton County accident report states that on September 2, 2015 that Driver 2 was at the intersection of Mt Zion Rd and Conkle Rd, with her turn signal on, about to make a left turn when Vehicle 1 rear-ended her vehicle and then left the scene. No injuries were reported, only minimal damage was done, and, of course, no citation was given. Note: Always keep your eye on your rearview mirror when a car approaches. Many times you can ease up to prevent a fender bender.