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Avoiding a Pedestrian Accident During the Pandemic

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As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to ravage America and most of the rest of the world, Georgia has issued a ?shelter in place? order to help prevent the spread of the virus. Thousands of non-essential businesses have been shut down temporarily, with countless workers being abruptly laid off or furloughed. Many of those who are still working are doing so from home rather than going into their office. A secondary effect of this all are the pedestrians accident occurring. Here, Ross Moore Law offers tips on avoiding a pedestrian accident.

With most of us stuck at home, there are far fewer cars on the road. But at the same time, many people are going for walks in order to get fresh air and exercise. Walking is a great way to get out of the house and enjoy the warm weather while we wait for the effects of the coronavirus outbreak to subside. That said, the increased pedestrian traffic does heighten the risk of a vehicle (or vehicles) crashing into someone who is out walking.

In fact, just recently, multiple vehicles struck and killed a pedestrian who was attempting to cross Interstate 20 near the Moreland Avenue exit in Atlanta. At least four vehicles hit the man who was crossing, resulting in his death and possible injuries to motorists. The cause of the accident remains under investigation, but this tragic incident highlights the need for pedestrians and motorists to be mindful of the dangers out there and take the necessary steps to stay safe. Avoiding a pedestrian accident is possible, if we simply educate ourself on safety and stay alert.

Tips for Avoiding a Pedestrian Accidents during COVID-19 or Anytime

For Pedestrians

  • Stay Visible: Do everything you can to make sure that drivers are able to see you. If you are out walking during the day, wear brightly colored clothing. If walking at night after dark, wear lightly colored or reflective clothing. As much as possible, try to walk in areas where there is plenty of lighting, and also try to make eye contact with vehicle drivers before you cross in front of them.
  • Obey Traffic Laws: Understand and obey all of the traffic laws and rules in whatever area you are walking. For example, cross only at designated crosswalks and other places where it is legal, and do not try to cross when there is a red light and/or oncoming traffic.
  • Be Alert: Most of us have smartphones, and it can be difficult to put them away even for a short while. But as a pedestrian, it is your responsibility to pay attention to potential hazards and avoid them. In order to best accomplish this, limit your smartphone use, especially when you are crossing the road in places where there is typically high vehicle traffic.
  • Stay Sober: For avoiding a pedestrian accident, alcohol plays a role in approximately 50% of all pedestrian accident cases. And although it is usually an impaired driver that causes the accident, about one-third of all alcohol-related pedestrian crashes involve a pedestrian who is intoxicated. Whether you are driving or walking, alcohol impairs your judgment. Stay safe by staying sober.

For Motorists

  • Avoid Distractions: As we discussed earlier, it is very tempting to look at your smartphone while walking or driving. However, doing this can have deadly consequences. The best practice is to put your phone away while you drive. But if you must get in touch with someone, do so only by making a phone call with the phone in ?hands-free? mode.
  • Follow Traffic Laws: Many pedestrian crashes happen because of aggressive or reckless driving behaviors. Examples include excessive speeding, running stop signs and red lights, and failing to yield the right-of-way. As with pedestrians, motorists must be familiar with and obey all traffic laws in order to keep everyone safe.
  • Stay Sober: In spite of several decades of high-profile public awareness campaigns, far too many motorists make the horrible and often fateful decision to drive after having too much to drink. Do not be one of them – it may be a decision you regret for the rest of your life.
  • Be Mindful of Pedestrian Traffic: For avoiding a pedestrian accident, more people out walking during the coronavirus pandemic means motorists need to watch out for pedestrian traffic not only in areas like downtown Atlanta where it tends to be heavy, but also in their own neighborhoods.

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If you or someone close to suffered injury in a pedestrian crash, you may have a right to significant compensation. But do not put off speaking with an attorney simply because of the COVID-19 situation.

Our Atlanta personal injury law firm offers a track record of successfully managing car accident, truck accident, boating accident, motorcycle accident, wrongful death, catastrophic injury and other personal injury claims throughout Fulton County & the greater state of Georgia. Attorney Ross Moore wants you to know that we are still open and ready to serve your legal needs. In spite of the unprecedented challenges our nation is facing, we have the technology and resources to remain fully operational while following all of the social distancing guidelines to ensure their everyone stays safe.

At Ross Moore Law, we are ready for your legal case so schedule your initial free consultation today!

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Why are Pedestrian Deaths and Injuries on the Rise in GA?

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Pedestrian fatalities have been increasing in Georgia and throughout the nation in recent years. According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 6,283 pedestrians killed in 2018 (the most recent year we have full records for). This marked a 3% increase over 2017, and a 30% increase from 2009, just a decade earlier.

The rate of pedestrian fatalities has also steadily increased in Georgia over the same period of time. The Governor?s Office of Highway Safety reports that there were 261 pedestrians killed in the state in 2018, which was a slight increase over 2017, and a 60% increase over the past five years. The state of Georgia is the sixth most dangerous state for pedestrians, and metro Atlanta is listed as one of the deadliest regions in the country for pedestrian accidents.

What is Causing the Increase in Pedestrian Deaths in Georgia?

There are a number of factors that experts believe are contributing to the rise in pedestrian fatalities in Georgia:

  • Population Growth: Georgia?s population continues to grow at a healthy pace. As of 2019, there were 10.62 million residents in the state, up from 9.71 million in 2010. Since everyone is a pedestrian at some point, a larger population means an increase in pedestrian traffic.
  • Demographic Changes: Georgia?s population is also aging. The median age of a resident in the state was 36.9 years old, an increase of 1.6 over 2010. With the baby boomers retiring, this trend is likely to continue for the foreseeable future. Elderly pedestrians are particularly susceptible to severe injuries and fatalities when they are struck by a vehicle.
  • Health and Environmentally Conscious Citizens: Our population is larger and older, and it is also more conscious of staying healthy and protecting the environment. Both of these causes can be helped by walking, and many people are choosing to walk, bike, and/or take public transportation to work.
  • Larger Vehicles on the Road: Better economic conditions and lower fuel prices have led to an increase in the number of larger vehicles that are on the road. Among the most popular vehicles these days include SUVs and large pickup trucks. Because of the size and ground clearance of these vehicles, it can be more difficult to see pedestrians walking nearby; and when a pedestrian is struck by a large vehicle, there is a greater likelihood of serious and catastrophic injuries.
  • Electronic Distractions: In our digital age when nearly everyone owns a smartphone, many drivers have a hard time staying off of their phones when they are behind the wheel. Texting while driving and other electronic activities are especially dangerous, because they distract drivers in three ways; visually, manually, and cognitively. The end result is that their focus is taken completely away from the road, causing them to miss important details such as a pedestrian crossing. Some pedestrians are also guilty of spending too much time on their phones, which can distract them from seeing an oncoming vehicle.

Ways to Avoid Pedestrian Accidents

Safety is a shared responsibility, and we must all do our part to reverse recent trends and vastly reduce the number of pedestrian accidents.

For Pedestrians

  • Stay visible by wearing bright clothing during the day and reflective clothing at night;
  • Be predictable by following all of the rules and crossing only when you have a green light at a stoplight;
  • Cross streets only at crosswalks and intersections when possible;
  • Never assume that a driver sees you – always try to make eye contact with the driver as a vehicle approaches so you know for sure that you have been seen;
  • Watch out for vehicles that are entering and exiting driveways or backing up in parking lots;
  • Avoid using alcohol or drugs while walking as it can impair your judgment and physical abilities;
  • Keep alert at all times while walking and do not let your electronic devices distract you.

For Drivers

  • Always be on the lookout for pedestrians, even when you are driving in areas where they do not usually appear;
  • Be extra cautious when you are driving in adverse conditions such as after dark or during inclement weather;
  • Never pass up vehicles that are stopped at a crosswalk as there may be pedestrians crossing that you are unable to see;
  • Be especially mindful of pedestrians when you are backing up;
  • Obey the speed limit and other traffic rules at all times, and especially when there are pedestrians on the street;
  • Never drive after you have consumed alcohol or drugs;
  • Put your phone away when you drive – never text, and only talk on the phone if it is in ?hands-free? mode.

Injured in a Pedestrian Accident in Georgia? Contact a Skilled and Knowledgeable Atlanta Auto Accident Attorney

In spite of our best efforts, we cannot control the actions of others. If you or a loved one suffered injury in a pedestrian accident, you may be entitled to compensation. You can be sure that the insurance company will try to pay you as little as possible, however, and you need a strong advocate in your corner who is looking out for your best interests.

If your injury occurred in Georgia, contact Ross Moore II, P.C. for assistance. Call our Atlanta office today at (404) 491-8511 or message us online to schedule a free consultation and case assessment.