Georgia Personal Injury Attorneys Discuss How a Person Can Prevent Pedestrian Injuries

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the State of Georgia ranks 13th in the nation for pedestrian-related fatalities. Specifically, there are more than 120 pedestrian related deaths that occur each year in Georgia and, unfortunately, this number continues to rise. On a nationwide basis, the statistics are equally sobering.

The NHTSA reports that nearly 4,800 people each year lose their lives in pedestrian related accidents across the United States. In fact, the NHTSA reports that in 2013, 14 percent of all traffic fatalities in the United States were pedestrians. Further, an estimated three percent of those injured in traffic crashes overall were pedestrians. It is clear that it can be dangerous for a person on foot to share the road with vehicles, but there are things that can be done to minimize the risk.

In light of the foregoing, it is important to be aware of the ways in which you and your family can protect yourselves while walking on the sidewalks and crosswalks next to busy, highly trafficked streets throughout Georgia. These suggestions include the following:

1. Always pay attention to your surroundings and be extremely cautious when crossing the street. Specifically, never take unnecessary risks by crossing at non-designated spots. Crosswalks and well lit intersections serve a purpose to alert drivers of your presence, so always be careful and use them.
2. Make sure to remain as visible as possible to drivers. Be aware of things that can make you less noticeable to drivers, such as large trees, bushes, and parked cars. Avoid these objects to the best of your ability, and do not cross unless you are sure that drivers can see you.
3. Wear reflective gear. It is critical, especially at night, to always be visible to motorists, as nighttime is when many pedestrian related accidents occur. Wearing reflective clothing is one of the best ways to ensure that drivers can see you.
4. If at all possible, travel in groups. Walking with a group of people makes it more likely that drivers can spot you, which is vitally important to you and your family's safety.
5. Look both ways before crossing. While we often tell our children this, we do not always practice what we preach, especially when distracted by a phone call or text message.
6. Educate your children about road safety and keep the conversation going. Also, model what you teach them. If you tell them to look both ways, it is essential that you do the same so that they understand the importance of what you are saying to them.

Contact Montlick and Associates Now to Learn More about Your Legal Rights!

If you were injured in a pedestrian accident, you may be entitled to significant money damages. The Atlanta Pedestrian Accident Lawyers at Montlick & Associates strive to be the best personal injury law firm in the United States. In fact, we have been successfully representing those who sustain serious pedestrian-related injuries throughout all of Georgia and in the Southeast for over three decades, including, but not limited to, all smaller cities and rural areas in the state. No matter where you are located, our seasoned team of Atlanta Pedestrian Injury Attorneys is just a phone call away and we will even come to you. Call us 24 hours a day/7 days a week for your Free Consultation at 1-800-LAW-NEED (1-800-529-6333). You also can visit us online at www.montlick.com and use our Free Case Evaluation Form or 24-hour Live Online Chat.