Georgia Pedestrian Accident Attorneys Warn Of Dangers Lurking On City Streets
Our Pedestrian Accident Attorneys in Georgia Warn Georgians About The Dangers Lurking On City Streets
The simple act of walking down a street should not pose a great danger to anyone, but it does. Pedestrians remain at a high risk of injury or death from being struck by a vehicle. Naturally, walkers are not protected by sheet metal, steel, high-grade car glass, seat belts, and airbags like the passenger of cars. This lack of protection makes pedestrians extremely vulnerable to death and injury. Georgia personal injury laws, however, serve to protect pedestrians from the dangers associated with walking in areas shared with cars. More could be done to protect pedestrians, including encouraging pedestrians to protect themselves.
According to a recent study released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, pedestrian deaths declined in the early 2010s. During that time frame, only 3 percent of all car accidents involved pedestrians. But, pedestrians represented 17 percent of all fatalities nationwide. In 2016, the number of pedestrians killed starkly rose 11 percent nationally to 6,000. The 11 percent increase represented the highest jump in nearly two decades year-over-year. Overall, the number of fatal accidents increased by 6 percent nationwide in 2016. In Georgia, the number of pedestrian deaths increased from January to June 2015 to the same period in 2016 by 19 percent from 90 to 109.
Analysts have determined a few significant reasons for the dramatic increase in pedestrian deaths. The first is the speed vehicles travel on our roads. According to the latest research, a pedestrian struck by a vehicle traveling 20 miles per hour has a ten percent chance of being killed. Whereas a car going 40 mph has an 80 percent chance of dying. Consequently, cities and towns should consider reducing speed limits in areas heavily traveled by foot.
Distraction is another critical component of the rise in vehicular and pedestrian accidents. Not only are drivers more distracted than ever but pedestrians are as well. Many pedestrians injure themselves by not watching what they are doing because they are too busy looking at a cellphone. Some walk off curbs and into traffic without noticing. One expert cited distraction as the third most common reason why pedestrians are injured. The primary cause, as discussed above, is speeding, and the next most common reason is the driver who fails to yield to pedestrians who have the right of way.
There are other reasons why pedestrians are dying more frequently. Approximately 74 percent of all pedestrians killed in 2016 were killed at night. Additionally, 72 percent of the deceased were not crossing at intersections. Alcohol consumption is another significant contributor to the death toll. Drunk drivers account for 15 percent of all pedestrian fatalities annually. However, alcohol consumption plays a significant role in about 34 percent of all pedestrian fatalities. Analysis of those accidents suggests that in one-third of all pedestrian deaths the decedent had a blood alcohol content of .08% or above. That means they were too drunk to drive.
Law enforcement can increase pedestrian safety with intervention programs. Studies have shown that a police presence at intersections increases safety. Also, police sting operations have increased awareness and safety for pedestrians. Still, people who are walking along the road can do something to protect themselves without needing to rely on law enforcement. Pedestrians will be safer if they do not walk at night, or wear reflective clothing if they do, pay more attention while using cellphones, cross at intersections, and exercise better judgment when consuming alcohol.
Put Our Law Firm's Over 39 Years Of Legal Experience To Work For Your Case!
If you have been involved in any type of accident caused by someone else's negligence, contact Montlick & Associates today for your free consultation. Montlick & Associates has been representing those who suffer serious injuries throughout all of Georgia and in the Southeast for over 39 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. Our pedestrian accident lawyers have been representing those who suffer serious injuries throughout all of Georgia and the Southeast for over 39 years.
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
Telephone: 1 (800) LAW-NEED
Telephone: 1 (404) 529-6333