Two Car Collision in Atlanta Results in Fatality

Atlanta Public Safety Headquarters

Atlanta, Ga. – The Georgia Department of Public Safety's Public Information Office reported a serious and fatal accident occurred earlier this month. A tractor trailer was stopped for traffic in the left lane on I-285 N. There was a truck following behind the tractor trailer and was allegedly following too closely which led to the collision. The driver of the truck ended up dying at the scene of the accident.

As an Atlanta DUI Lawyer, I handle cases involving serious injuries and fatalities frequently. Many times, when an accident is involved in a case involving DUI in Atlanta, there is another serious traffic violation that has occurred.

In today's post, I will focus on the offense of following too closely.

Following Too Closely in Georgia

O.C.G.A. §40-6-49 defines Following Too Closely as:

(a) The driver of a motor vehicle shall not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent, having due regard for the speed of such vehicles and the traffic upon and the condition of the highway.

(b) The driver of any motor vehicle which is drawing another vehicle when traveling upon a roadway outside of a business or residential district and which is following another motor truck or motor vehicle drawing another vehicle shall, whenever conditions permit, leave sufficient space so that an overtaking vehicle may enter and occupy such space without danger, except that this shall not prevent a motor truck or motor vehicle drawing another vehicle from overtaking and passing any like vehicle or other vehicle.

(c) Motor vehicles being driven upon any roadway outside of a business or residential district in a caravan or motorcade whether or not towing other vehicles shall be so operated as to allow sufficient space between each such vehicle or combination of vehicles so as to enable any other vehicle to enter and occupy such space without danger. This subsection shall not apply to funeral processions, parades, or other groups of vehicles if such groups of vehicles are under the supervision and control of a law enforcement agency.

(d) Vehicles which approach from the rear any other vehicle or vehicles stopped or slowed to make a lawful turn shall be deemed to be following for purposes of this Code section.

Most of the time, a following too closely charged is related to a car accident. It usually involves a rear-end collision.  Moreover, when there is an accident with a DUI, the stakes are high. 

Moreover, a Following Too Closely conviction adds 3 points to a Driver's License.

Practice Note

If you or a loved one has been arrested or cited for a serious traffic violation such as DUI or Following Too Closely, call our offices now. We can help you today.