Kennesaw Road Safety Overview
Despite a growth rate of over 10%, Kennesaw, Georgia, is a town that remains relatively small, with a population of just over 33,000. Be that as it may, any sort of increase in residents brings with it more traffic and an increased potential for a rise in car crashes. Fortunately, the City of Kennesaw has a solid transportation infrastructure that works well in keeping its residents safe.
On that note, below is a brief rundown of Kennesaw’s various road safety measures.
The Basics of Road Safety in Kennesaw, GA
The City of Kennesaw, GA, implements all of the standard safety features that one would expect from a rapidly developing city, including the following:
Traffic Lights
Traffic lights are one of the most basic forms of road safety measures, helping to govern the flow of traffic and prevent congestion. The city’s proactive traffic operations division uses strategically positioned lights to help the city adapt to the rapid influx of new residents.
Whether you are a Kennesaw resident or just driving through, you must ensure that you follow all traffic lights and signals.
Street Signs
Kennesaw also uses hundreds of standardized street signs in accordance with Georgia state law, including stop signs, yield signs, and other control devices, to mark its roads and provide direction to drivers.
On that note, make sure you familiarize yourself with any differences in signage that deviate from what you are accustomed to. Many road signs are universal, but certain signage may be unusual if you are from another state.
Pedestrian Crosswalks and Bike Lanes
Two of the most important road safety measures in Kennesaw are pedestrian crosswalks and bike lanes. If you’re operating a vehicle, look out for these safety measures and give others ample space. Yield the right of way to pedestrians and cyclists where necessary, and make sure that you stay within your lane lines.
If you’re traversing the City of Kennesaw on foot or two wheels, take advantage of crosswalks, sidewalks, and bike lanes to stay safe. While vehicles should typically yield to you in most situations, never assume that a driver can see you or will let you pass.
Speed Limits
Kennesaw officials are strict when it comes to speeding. Pay special attention to the posted speed limit in the area you’re commuting through, and be mindful of sudden changes to those limits. If you are caught speeding, the police can pull you over and issue a hefty fine.
Pay particular attention to school zone lights, as they note a decrease in the speed limit while students are moving to and from campus. You may also face increased fines if speeding in a school zone.
Following the speed limit doesn’t just help you avoid a ticket, though. Driving within the established thresholds will also promote better safety for you and other people.
How Responsive Are Kennesaw Emergency Personnel?
Emergency medical personnel in Kennesaw have an average accident response time of 5.7 minutes. They can typically bring an injured person to the nearest hospital in just 31.6 minutes. Of course, the sooner these personnel can arrive and render aid to injured persons, the better the chances of a favorable outcome.
Tips For Staying Safe While Commuting in Kennesaw, Georgia
Kennesaw may have implemented many different measures to help commuters stay safe while out on the roads, but in the end, you are responsible for your well-being. You need to take measures, such as those below, to keep yourself and others out of harm’s way while operating a motor vehicle:
Keep Your Phone Away and Focus on the Road
It can be tempting to answer your phone or look down at your screen as soon as you get an alert, but don’t do it. Texting while driving or playing on your smartphone takes your eyes off the road and can lead to an accident. Use a hands-free headset if you need to talk on the phone while driving.
On a similar note, always be mindful of other distractions, as well. Avoid fidgeting with your radio or getting distracted by your passengers. Losing focus for even a split second can lead to a crash and serious injuries.
Use Your Vehicle’s Turn Signals
Using your turn signals makes the vehicles around you aware of your intentions. Always use them when changing lanes or preparing to turn onto a different road. If you need to slow down to initiate the turn, don’t wait until the last minute. Give the drivers behind you ample time to apply their brakes so they don’t run into the rear of your vehicle.
Of course, the inverse is true: You also need to pay attention to signals used by other vehicles so that you know whether they are about to slow down or make a sudden turn.
Don’t Have a Lead Foot
Check the speed limit and follow it. Speeding tickets can cost you hundreds of dollars. And even worse, exceeding posted speed thresholds can increase your risk of an accident. If you get into a crash because you are driving too fast, you could seriously harm someone else and face added liability due to your negligence.
Adjust Your Habits Based on Weather Conditions
Kennesaw residents enjoy great weather most of the year, but as is true of any other locale, weather conditions can change out of nowhere. What starts as a nice day can quickly be interrupted by a torrential downpour, heavy winds, or even snowfall, depending on the time of year.
You should adjust your driving habits based on the weather conditions and your skill level. If weather conditions are poor, it’s okay to drive slower than the posted speed limit.
Be Diligent Every Time You Get Behind the Wheel
The City of Kennesaw has plenty of safety measures in place designed to give you peace of mind while driving. Alongside these, being attentive and diligent every time you get behind the wheel will drastically reduce your risk of an accident and promote safety.