Understanding Georgia's Pedestrian Laws Can Help Save Lives
GA- Gahighwaysafety.org writes that many drivers fail to understand Georgia law when it comes to pedestrians in the roadway. Pedestrian’s right-of-way is a phrase we all might have heard but understanding when it applies can mean the difference between safe driving and potentially a fatal accident.*
Understanding Georgia’s pedestrian laws is crucial in a state where pedestrian deaths have skyrocketed in recent years. While Georgia saw a dip in fatal traffic crashes involving vehicle occupants, pedestrian fatalities rose by a shocking 32 percent last year.
Pedestrians crossing in crosswalks have the right of way. Since 1995 when the state changed the wording in the statute, drivers must stop for pedestrians, not just yield. This means that if a pedestrian is crossing in the road, and there is plenty of room for the driver’s vehicle to get around that person, the driver still must come to a complete stop.
One area that is often confusing for drivers is turning near a crosswalk. Pedestrians have the right of way even when the vehicles that are turning have a green traffic signal. The cars must wait, even as the pedestrian walk sign begins to blink.
Understanding the law as it pertains to pedestrians can help save lives. Drivers should always exercise caution when it comes to sharing the road with pedestrians.
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Sources:https://www.gahighwaysafety.org/campaigns/pedestrian-safety/pedestrian-safety/what-the-ga-codes-says-about-pedestrians/ and https://patch.com/georgia/atlanta/georgia-pedestrian-deaths-spike-2018-report