Pedestrian Deaths On the Rise in Georgia

A study published recently by the Governor’s Highway Safety Association (GHSA) said that in 2016, pedestrian traffic fatalities grew by nearly 21% over 2015 in Georgia. In 2016 pedestrian traffic incidents increased in 34 states so this problem is not exclusive to Georgia. The study also found that the number of pedestrian incidents involving fatalities in 2016 increased by 11% over 2015 - the largest annual increase in number and percentage in 40 years.

In 2016 in Georgia there were 109 pedestrian traffic deaths – there were 90 in 2015. This is a warning to officials and drivers of the dangers of pedestrian accidents. Some states have decided to take action in trying to combat the problem because the study is so alarming. Georgia is thankfully one of those states.

Pedestrian Hit by a Car

Georgia started the See & Be Seen Campaign which encourages drivers to look out for people walking and for pedestrians attempt to cross the road where they can be seen. Drivers need to be more cautious, especially around pedestrian walkways and pedestrians need to be more aware of traffic and intersections. Often  drivers and pedestrians are distracted by looking down at their phone rather than paying attention to what’s around them.

Pedestrian Death Prevention Measures in Georgia

In addition to the above-mentioned campaign targeting, the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) has also made other efforts in solving the problem:

1. High risk bus stop corridor inventories to look for opportunities for improvement;
2. Pedestrian-focused road safety audits;
3. An updated Pedestrian and Streetscape Guide which has clear guidelines for placement and protection of crosswalks;
4. Analysis of hospital-based pedestrian injury data to identify high-risk locations and areas;
5. Review of infrastructure projects at the concept level to ensure that all are in line with GDOT’s Complete Streets policy that will appropriately accommodate pedestrians; and
6. Developing guidance and training employees to include pedestrian safety improvements in roadway design and maintenance projects.

With the help of everyone including the Georgia Department of Transportation, drivers, and pedestrians, we can hopefully save lives and change these horrible pedestrian accident statistics.

If you have been hurt or involved in a pedestrian accident stemming from someone’s negligence, please contact our law firm today of fill out the form below for a free case evaluation and legal assistance.