The report from the CDC was released on Wednesday, May 11, 2011. According to the report, almost half of the cost, about 20 billion dollars, comes from just ten states. These states are:
1. California ($4.16 billion)
2. Texas ($3.50 billion)
3. Florida ($3.16 billion)
4. Georgia ($1.55 billion)
5. Pennsylvania ($1.52 billion)
6. North Carolina ($1.50 billion)
7. New York ($1.33 billion)
8. Illinois ($1.32 billion)
9. Ohio ($1.23 billion)
10. Tennessee ($1.15 billion).
The report also found the annual cost related to car accident deaths among infants, children, and teenagers under 19 years old was nearly $856 million.
The sad fact is that almost all Georgia car accident deaths are preventable. The CDC urges states to consider the following legislation:
- Primary seat belt laws: These are seat belt laws that allow motorists to be stopped, cited, and fined for not wearing seat belts.
- Strong car seat and booster seat laws: Children under age 8 should be placed in age- and size-appropriate child safety and booster seats while travelling in motor vehicles. Children should not sit in front seats.
- Graduated driver licensing systems: Graduated licensing reduces teen crashes by up to 40 percent among 16-year-olds.
- Mandatory motorcycle helmet laws: Helmets reduce the risk of death in a Georgia motorcycle accident by more than one-third. They reduce the risk of brain injury by 69 percent.
Atlanta personal injury lawyer Shane Smith helps victims of car accidents throughout Georgia. To schedule a free consultation to discuss your accident, contact Shane Smith Law at (980) 246-2656