Icy Atlanta Sidewalks and Intersections Increases Risk of Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents are frequently very serious because the human body was not meant to endure impact with a 3,000 pound or more mass of metal moving at a high velocity. When snow and ice covers the streets, sidewalks, intersections and crosswalks, the risk of being involved in a pedestrian accident increases exponentially. While many residents in Atlanta and throughout Georgia heeded public safety warnings to stay indoors during the recent storm events and to avoid driving, work pressures, dwindling supplies and mounting cabin fever has forced some Atlanta and Georgia residents onto icy roads and sidewalks often with bad results.
Auto collisions with pedestrians account for almost 5,000 deaths and 64,000 injuries per year with such accidents being more prevalent during bad weather conditions. Montlick and Associates, Attorneys at Law has been representing pedestrians seriously injured or killed in pedestrian collisions with cars, trucks and SUVs for over 39 years.
Icy roads and sidewalks can create very dangerous conditions for both pedestrians and drivers. Roads that are covered in snow and ice increase a driver's stopping time, cause spinouts and loss of control and create slippery crosswalks and sidewalks for pedestrians. Icy sidewalks and crosswalks can cause pedestrians to slip and fall or force pedestrians to walk in the street. A driver's decreased vehicle control under icy conditions and the unanticipated presence of pedestrians in the roadway can lead to deadly results. Pedestrians are also put at increased risk of being involved in a collision with a motor vehicle when ice and snow are present because drivers typically face poor visibility and other hazards including black ice.
Pedestrians should be especially careful and alert when walking on sidewalks, crossing the street or entering the roadway when ice and snow is present. The best option is to avoid going out as much as possible. If you must leave your home to walk to work, to get items form the store or to attend school, you should follow the following basic safety guidelines:
• Walk only during daylight hours
• Wear bright colored or reflective clothing that increases your visibility
• When crossing the street without a stoplight allow for extra stopping distance from approaching vehicles
• Cross the street at intersections controlled by stoplights where possible
• Do not enter the street in the middle of a block unless absolutely necessary
• Make sure vehicles approaching an intersection come to a complete stop before you enter the intersection
Generally, there is no such thing as a "minor pedestrian car accident." This means that pedestrian auto collisions need to be avoided at all costs. We urge Atlanta and Georgia residents to avoid unnecessary excursions on foot in the ice and snow, especially near automobiles that are in motion. If you must venture out, please follow the safety tips above and be extremely attentive of other vehicles, as well as the presence of snow and ice on the pavement.
Montlick and Associates has been representing pedestrians who are injured in car collisions and slip and fall accidents throughout Georgia for over 39 years. We know that even if you are extremely cautious accidents can happen.
Our experienced Georgia pedestrian auto accident attorneys are available to assist clients throughout all of Georgia and the Southeast, 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 we 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.
Our attorneys and staff will work hard to protect your interests and get you the compensation you deserve.