Reducing the Number of Walking Injuries and Fatalities in Georgia
While pedestrian safety has long been an issue in the large cities of Georgia, including the Atlanta-metro area, the U.S. experienced a ten percent rise in pedestrian collision deaths from 2014 to 2015. The concern associated with this news is compounded by a report from the Governors Highway Safety Administration (GHSA) that indicates that pedestrian fatalities constituted fifteen percent of traffic-related fatalities during the same period. Based on the GHSA report, pedestrian fatalities constitute the highest percentage of the total number of traffic-related deaths in a quarter century. Our Atlanta pedestrian accident lawyers laud recent efforts to make Atlanta roadways safer for people who walk, jog, and run.
Pedestrian safety issues have long placed the large metro regions of Georgia near the top of cities considered the most dangerous for pedestrians. A report from Smart Growth America entitled "Dangerous by Design 2014," evaluated states and major metros based on passenger safety during a recent fifteen year period. This report ranked Georgia as the fifth most dangerous state for pedestrians. Atlanta, Sandy Springs, and Marietta ranked as the eighth most dangerous metro region of the 51 largest metro areas in the U.S.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (AJC) recently circulated a story reviewing efforts now underway to make the roadways of Atlanta and other cities throughout Georgia safe. The federal government has approved a grant of $7.8 million to Atlanta for roadway safety projects designed to protect pedestrians and bicyclists, according to the report. An ordinance of the Utilities Committee Agenda passed in June authorized the Atlanta mayor to accept the federal funds.
The grant will be used both to make roadways in Atlanta more appealing to walkers and bike riders, as well as to improve the safety of Atlanta streets. The program, referred to as the Complete Streets program, is intended to ensure that streets are not designed with a narrow focus on drivers, but rather to make roadways safe for all users, including walkers, joggers, bicyclists and users of mass transit.
An example of pedestrian safety projects to be implemented in Atlanta includes retrofitting of Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive. The funds also will be used to perform improvements in Midtown. Improvements to Spring Street and Jupiter Streets are planned to make both routes more pedestrian friendly.
A lot of progress must be made to ensure that Atlanta does not receive the ignominious acknowledgment of inclusion on future lists of dangerous pedestrian cities. In the meantime, pedestrians remain to a significant degree at the mercy of drivers. When motorists multi-task behind the wheel or drive drunk, pedestrians are at risk for serious injury even when they cross the street within a crosswalk with a "walk" signal.
When a person who is walking, jogging, or running is struck by a distracted, drunk, or otherwise careless driver, the motorist can be liable for lost income, medical bills, pain and suffering, and other damages depending on the facts and circumstances.
Put Our Firm's Over 39 Years of Legal Experience to Work for You
If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident, our experienced pedestrian accident lawyers strive to pursue the fullest compensation for our clients based on the circumstances of their cases. The law firm of Montlick and Associates, Attorneys at Law, has been representing those who suffer serious injuries in Georgia and in the Southeast for over thirty years, including but not limited to Albany, Athens, Atlanta, Augusta, Columbus, Gainesville, Macon, Marietta, Rome, Roswell, Savannah, Smyrna, Valdosta, Warner Robins and all smaller cities and rural areas in the state.
No matter where you are located, our attorneys are 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 can also visit us online at www.montlick.com and use our Free Case Evaluation Form or 24-hour Live Online Chat.
Montlick & Associates, Attorneys at Law
17 Executive Park Dr NE
Atlanta, GA 30329
(404) 529-6333
(800) LAW-NEED
Hours: Open Today · Open 24 hours
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