While not the highest in the U.S., Georgia has one of the leading rates of pedestrian fatalities, often involving cases where a pedestrian is hit by a car. Several key factors contribute to these grim statistics, which we will explore in this article. These range from expanding metropolitan areas and insufficient road safety education to vulnerable populations affected by location or age.
While this is not an easy topic, raising awareness can help keep drivers and pedestrians more alert and ultimately safer. Let’s begin by outlining the facts before diving into the leading causes of pedestrian fatalities in Georgia.
Pedestrian Fatalities: The Facts
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Georgia is currently 6th in Pedestrian Fatality Rates. In 2022, they reported that 345 pedestrians were killed in the state through motor accidents. The leading states are:
- New Mexico
- Arizona
- Louisiana
- Florida
- South Carolina.
A 2019 report by the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) showed that total traffic fatalities rose by over 20% from 1,247 in 2010 to 1,491 in 2019. While new research is being carried out, we can sadly see an upward trend. The mitigating factors that contribute to these statistics are still at play and will continue to affect avoidable fatalities. Before we outline these circumstances in greater detail, here are some other notable facts:
- Pedestrian Fatalities: Pedestrian deaths in Georgia rose by 22.7% from 2015 to 2019.
- Age and Gender: Adults aged 50-54 and males had the highest pedestrian fatality rates.
- Urban Areas: The majority of pedestrian fatalities (75%) occurred in urban areas, largely due to traffic volume and road design.
- High-Risk Times: Most incidents happened at night, particularly on non-interstate roads.
- Bicyclist Injuries: Bicyclists accounted for 3.5% of all traffic injuries.
Leading Factors in Georgia Pedestrian Fatalities
We will now explain the leading factors contributing to Georgia’s pedestrian fatalities. Urban density, which prioritizes car travel, leaves pedestrians at risk, especially in high-speed areas with inadequate infrastructure like sidewalks or crosswalks. Additionally, driver behavior — such as speeding, driving under the influence, and failure to yield — further escalates these dangers.
Combining this with issues like poor visibility at night and vulnerable populations, it becomes clear that multiple factors are contributing to this alarming rise in pedestrian accidents and even death. Let’s break down each factor in more detail.
Urban Sprawl and Car Dependency
It’s undeniable that many cities in Georgia are experiencing major urban growth. While this can have positive effects, such as economic growth, there is a major issue when infrastructure can’t keep up. Transportation is a major issue that requires years of planning and development. If not, the number of injuries for innocent parties will only rise.
The US, in general, has always been a car-dependent country due to its size and the fact that it pioneered the automobile industry with names like Ford and Chevy. Some of the main areas of concern to densely populated areas are zoning laws that hinder efforts to make cities more pedestrian-friendly.
- Zoning codes often prioritize low-density, auto-oriented development over mixed-use environments.
- Regulations lead to excessive road and parking requirements, discouraging walkable urban designs.
- Car dependency is reinforced, resulting in financial strains for municipalities due to low tax returns from sprawling developments.
The Dangers of High-Speed Roadways
High-speed roadways present significant dangers to pedestrians, particularly in urban environments where dense traffic converges. These roads keep vehicles at the forefront, neglecting additional safety features such as crosswalks and pedestrian signals. As a result, the likelihood of accidents increases, and the impact of collisions can be devastating due to the high speeds involved.
While high-speed roads are designed to increase the flow of traffic, it has what the AAA Foundation labelled as “spillover effects”. With more pedestrians sharing these roadways as urban populations grow, the risk of fatalities escalates, underscoring the urgent need for increased driver awareness and caution in these high-speed zones.
- Design for Vehicles: Roads prioritize car traffic over pedestrian safety.
- Increased Collision Severity: Higher speeds lead to more severe injuries.
- Growing Pedestrian Risk: Urban expansion increases the number of pedestrians in dangerous areas.
- Need for Awareness: Increased driver vigilance is crucial in high-speed zones.
Driver Behavior and Its Role
Simple human behavior and poor decisions greatly impact pedestrian safety and the rise in fatalities. Issues like speeding, which reduces reaction times and worsens injuries, and distracted driving heavily increase the likelihood of fatalities. In 2023, 19.6% of drivers were distracted — either texting, talking, dialing or eating.
This is particularly troublesome in Georgia as, in 2021, one out of five convicted speeders already have priors for the same offense. Additionally, 6% of DUI offenders also had a record of the same crime. Many drivers simply do not yield at crosswalks, further endangering pedestrians.
- Speeding: Reduces reaction times and worsens injuries.
- Distractions: Cell phone use diverts attention from the road.
- Failure to Yield: Drivers often neglect to give right of way to pedestrians.
- Impairment: Alcohol affects judgment and response times.
Age and Demographics
Age on both sides of the spectrum is a leading contributor to road accidents. Drivers aged 16 – 25 were involved in 38% of speeding and traffic accidents in 2021. Older drivers also come with some risk of eyesight impairment, slower reaction times, and possible reactions to new medications. However, in Georgia, older drivers are required to renew their licenses every five years once they reach 60. Eye tests are also required for those over 64.
Low-income communities face a higher risk of pedestrian fatalities due to several intertwined factors. Firstly, these neighborhoods often lack essential pedestrian infrastructure, such as sidewalks, crosswalks, and safe crossing signals, making walking hazardous. For instance, research shows that pedestrian fatality rates in low-income areas can be double those of more affluent neighborhoods.
- Children: Experience gaps can lead to increased risk.
- Elderly: Mobility and sensory impairments hinder safety.
- Vulnerable Communities: Higher accident rates in at-risk neighborhoods.
- Targeted Initiatives: Programs must cater to the unique needs of these groups.
The Role of Pedestrian Education
While programs exist in Georgia for pedestrian safety, such as the “See and Be Seen” campaign, there is still a lack of significant outreach. Pedestrians Educating Drivers on Safety (PEDS), is another such organization founded in Atlanta. It was created due to the lack of safe infrastructure for pedestrians, particularly in low-income areas. However, more effort has been put into lobbying for infrastructure change as educational outreach has proved less effective.
To improve pedestrian safety outcomes, more targeted education programs and community engagement efforts are essential in Georgia, particularly for at-risk demographics. Enhanced education can help bridge the gap in safety awareness and ultimately reduce pedestrian fatalities.
- Targeted Programs: Focus on children to teach safe practices.
- Driver Awareness: Educate drivers on yielding to pedestrians.
- Community Engagement: Promote local initiatives for safety awareness.
- Data-Driven Efforts: Use statistics to advocate for educational and infrastructure improvements.
A Road to Justice
As we can see, many factors contribute to pedestrian fatalities in Georgia. While some may be more existential, such as age and poor decisions, there are combative areas like education and city infrastructure that, over time, can greatly reduce these numbers. If you or a loved one have suffered due to reckless driving, we’re here to help you claim the proper compensation and guide you through this extremely difficult situation. With real trial lawyers with a wealth of experience, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with The McGarity Group.