Georgia’s Alarming Pedestrian Fatality Rate
Over the last decade, there has been a distressing uptick in the number of fatal pedestrian accidents in the U.S. Unfortunately, Georgia is no exception to this alarming trend. In fact, our state was recently ranked amongst the worst states for pedestrian safety. For instance, one recent six month period saw an overall increase of almost 60 percent in the number of pedestrian accidents occurring on Georgia’s roadways.
Why are Pedestrian Fatalities on the Rise?
While there’s no definitive single answer to this question, safety experts do believe that a number of different factors are contributing to the increasing pedestrian fatality rate not only in Georgia, but across the country, including:
- More instances of aggressive and reckless driving;
- Increasing traffic congestion;
- A lack of crosswalks, sidewalks, and other pedestrian infrastructure;
- Increasing driver distractions;
- Higher speed limits; and
- Increasing incidences of driving under the influence.
Whatever the cause, the increasing rate of pedestrian fatalities is alarming to anyone who spends time on the road. Tragically, many of these pedestrian deaths could have been avoided if not for the careless or reckless actions of a negligent driver. While no amount of financial remuneration can compensate a victim’s family for this kind of loss, seeking damages from the at fault party can go a long way towards helping grieving family members pay off medical debt and household expenses while they attempt to adjust to their new lifestyle.
Pedestrian Safety Tips
The injuries sustained in collisions between pedestrians and motorists tend to be particularly severe (almost always for the pedestrian). This makes taking precautionary measures to avoid becoming the victim of such a collision of the utmost importance. A few simple steps that pedestrians can take to reduce their chances of being involved in an accident include:
- Using sidewalks and crosswalks whenever possible;
- Remaining alert to traffic and oncoming vehicles;
- Wearing reflective clothing at night;
- Keeping an eye out for vehicles entering or exiting driveways or reversing in parking lots;
- Locating well-lit areas and waiting for gaps in traffic to cross (when a crosswalk or intersection isn’t available);
- Paying attention to roadway and safety signs.
Unfortunately, even the most conscientious pedestrian could end up injured in an accident because of a driver’s negligence. In these cases, seeking compensation from the at-fault party may be the victim’s only option for covering his or her medical bills, lost wages, and other losses. This is known as a wrongful death lawsuit and pursuing this course of action can be complicated, especially for those without legal representation.
Call for a Free Case Review
To find out more about your right to fair compensation after a pedestrian accident, please reach out to the experienced Marietta pedestrian accident lawyers at Shiver Hamilton Campbell today. You can set up a free consultation with a member of our legal team by calling our office at 404-593-0020 or by completing one of our brief online contact forms. We are standing by and prepared to get started on your case right away.
Sources:
fox5atlanta.com/news/georgia-has-one-of-the-highest-pedestrian-fatality-rates-in-the-country-data-shows
nhtsa.gov/road-safety/pedestrian-safety#:~:text=I
