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Avoiding injuries is easier when you study the data

Living in Valdosta, you want to know that your community is safe. You want to make sure that accidents and injuries are minimized or prevented. That’s why collecting data about traffic collisions, injuries and deaths is so important. The 2020 annual crash report for the Valdosta-Lowndes Metropolitan Planning Organization has been released, and it shows a few interesting trends that have to be considered when making changes to reduce collisions in the community.

The report looks at crashes and data from Jan. 1, 2015 through Dec. 1, 2019. In the data, it shows that there was approximately one death every three weeks in Lowndes County. In around 24% of cases, collisions were caused by following too closely, otherwise known as tailgating. 

Another thing to note is that collector roads, which are two-lane roadways with busier traffic, were several times more likely to have collisions than the main interstate.

What can you do to minimize the risk of a crash?

To prevent crashes due to tailgating, one good idea is to follow the “three-second rule,” which states that you should place at least three seconds’ worth of distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead of you. 

Another thing to consider is taking routes that are less dangerous to drivers. For instance, Rocky Ford Road and New Statenville Highway were places where multiple fatalities took place. 

As always, the most important thing to do is to follow the rules of the road. Stay under the speed limit, keep a good distance between yourself and others and know your route before you head out. Doing these things could help you prevent a collision. If you’re still involved in a car wreck despite your best efforts, make sure that you speak with an experienced advocate about your right to compensation.