Georgia Pedestrian Accidents On The Rise

Even in the summer heat, residents and tourists flock to the streets for outdoor activities, brunch gatherings, nights out with friends, or sunset strolls. But pedestrians beware: the entire US, including Georgia, is experiencing historically high pedestrian fatalities.

The Governors Highway Safety Association’s 2021 preliminary report on pedestrian traffic fatalities projects that drivers struck and killed 7,485 pedestrians in 2021 – the most in a single year in 40 years and a 16.7% increase over 2019.

Unfortunately, Georgia is no exception. Here in Georgia, we too experienced a steep increase in pedestrian traffic deaths. The Governors Highway Safety Association’s report projects that 348 Georgia pedestrians were struck and killed while walking in 2021 – a 45.6% increase in pedestrian fatalities over 2019.

The report also shows that pedestrian fatalities are increasing faster than all other traffic deaths. From 2010 to 2020, pedestrian fatalities increased by 54% while all other traffic deaths increased by 13% over the same period.

This sudden increase in pedestrian fatalities may have you wondering why.

Contributing Factors in the Rise of Traffic-Related Pedestrian Deaths

In urban and residential areas alike, several factors are to blame for the increase in the pedestrian fatality surge:

• Speeding: According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, speeding is the primary cause of traffic-related pedestrian deaths. The proportion of pedestrian fatalities due to speeding increased sharply on both interstates and local roads. Because interstates restrict pedestrian access, these deaths likely involved individuals who got out of a disabled vehicle, workers in construction zones, or first responders.
• Alcohol Impairment: Alcohol impairment continues to be a primary factor for both pedestrians and drivers involved in these crashes. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 31.2% of pedestrians killed in motor vehicle crashes in 2020 had a blood alcohol level of 0.08 or greater and 16.1% of pedestrian fatalities involved a driver with a blood alcohol level of 0.08 or higher. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs puts everyone on the road at risk. Unfortunately, and during the summer months especially, pedestrians are often the victims of hit-and-runs and catastrophic collisions due to impaired driving.
• Light Conditions: According to the Governor Highway Safety Association, 76.6% of pedestrian-involved crashes in 2020 occurred during dark night hours, compared with 19.6% during daylight hours and 3.8% at daybreak or sunset. There is no doubt that lighting conditions affect pedestrian safety.
• Traffic Violations: Traffic violations also cause pedestrian deaths. Motorists often ignore or disrespect pedestrians’ rights, including pedestrians’ right of way at intersections and crosswalks.
• Electric Scooters or E-scooters: In major cities, including the metro Atlanta area, e-scooters have proven to be a threat to pedestrians as e-scooter and/or e-bikes riders frequently violate traffic laws and disregard pedestrian crosswalks.

Precautions for Georgia Pedestrians

The American Automobile Association (AAA) provides valuable practices to keep pedestrians safe:

Be Visible

• Wear lightly colored or reflective clothing at night and brightly colored clothing during the day
• Stay in well-lit areas, especially when crossing the street
• If possible, make eye contact with drivers in stopped vehicles to ensure they see you before you cross in front of them

Stay Alert – Avoid Distractions

• Put down your phone
• Don’t wear headphones

Follow the Rules

• Know and follow all traffic rules, signs, and signals
• Never assume a driver will give you the right of way

Walk in Safe Places

• Use crosswalks when crossing the street. If a crosswalk is unavailable, be sure to find the most well-lit spot on the road to cross and wait for a long enough gap in traffic to make it safely across the street
• Stay on sidewalks whenever possible. If a sidewalk is not available, be sure to walk on the far side of the road facing traffic. This will help increase your visibility to drivers
• Avoid walking along highways or other roadways where pedestrians are prohibited

Avoid Alcohol Consumption

• Alcohol impairs your decision-making skills, physical reflexes, and other abilities just as much on your feet as it does behind the wheel

The Baer Law Firm Can Help

It can be overwhelming and emotionally draining to deal with medical bills, insurance claims, paperwork, and appointments after suffering an injury or losing a loved one. However, the responsible party must be held accountable for their actions and the harm they inflicted. An experienced pedestrian injury lawyer at The Baer Law Firm can help – our attorneys are located in Atlanta and serve Smyrna and have helped clients throughout Georgia.

Our goal is to provide honest advice, quality counsel, and compassionate care throughout the legal process, from consultation to compensation. We encourage you to contact our office at The Baer Law Firm or call us at 404.THE.BAER (404.843.2237).

Bryan Baer

Attorney Bryan Baer has twenty (20) years of legal experience representing clients in serious and catastrophic personal injury and medical malpractice cases. He has been first chair in more than a dozen twelve-person jury trials on both the plaintiff and defense sides. Recognized as a leader in his legal community, he is frequently asked to speak at legal seminars on trial topics ranging from “Best Practices in Voire Dire” to “Maximizing Damages at Trial” as well as insurance issues such as “Navigating the Insurance Landscape” and “Injury Demands & Negotiations.” Learn more here.