Chain Reaction Crash Leads to Serious Injuries on Georgia Interstate

According to reports out of Cobb County, a chain-reaction crash occurred last night on I-75.

The crash happened when the driver of the first car allegedly failed to slow for stopped traffic. Traffic was reported as heavy in the area. All of the drivers and passengers were taken to WellStar Kennestone Hospital. A total of six people were injured in the crash.

As a Georgia DUI Lawyer, I handle all offenses related to DUI in Georgia. This means that I, as well as the other attorneys in our firm, specialize in serious traffic violations. In today's post I will outline the law behind the offense of following too closely in the state of Georgia.

Following Too Closely in Georgia

Following too closely in Georgia is defined by Georgia Law in O.C.G.A. §40-6-49 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. 

A Following Too Closely conviction adds 3 points to a Georgia Driver's License as well as requiring the payment of fines and court costs.

Practice Note

Call our offices now if you or a loved one has been arrested.