Department of Transportation Launches Initiative to Keep Pedestrians Safe

Pedestrian accidents are a major problem across the country. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that pedestrians are one of the few groups of road users to experience an uptick in fatalities, with deaths totaling over 4,735 in 2013. On average, a pedestrian is now killed every two hours and injured every seven minutes. Recognizing the tremendous need for increased pedestrian safety, the United States Department of Transportation declared pedestrian and bicyclist safety among its top focuses. The agency launched a Safer People, Safer Streets Initiative to bring down pedestrian accident rates.

At Montlick and Associates, Attorneys at Law, our pedestrian accident attorneys have represented thousands of injured pedestrians. We understand the serious nature of pedestrian accidents, which often can result in broken bones, head trauma, and internal organ damage. We fight hard on behalf of each injured client, striving to obtain for them the maximum compensation to which they are entitled under the law.

Assessing Walking and Biking Safety in Each State

As part of its safer streets initiative, the United States Department of Transportation headed walk and bike assessments in every state. A total of 52 assessments were completed across the nation. Assessments focused on the following:

• Walking and biking infrastructure
• Physical barriers to protect walkers and bikers
• Signal systems
• Comfortable sidewalks
• Crosswalks and cross signals
• Bicycle facilities
• Walkway design
• Lighting conditions

A common complaint in many states was the lack of planning and consideration for the needs of people on foot or bicycle. Cities that failed to take into account pedestrian and bicyclist safety needs did not adequately accommodate these groups of road users.

Reasons for the Rise in Pedestrian Accidents

Safety researchers have spent much time attempting to uncover why pedestrian accident rates are rising when overall traffic safety is improving. There are several proposed reasons for the increase in pedestrian accidents:

Distracted driving: Distracted driving is a monumental issue nationwide. The advent of the smartphone has increased distracted driving rates. While national campaigns focus on combatting distracted driving, it remains a significant problem. Distracted drivers may not see pedestrians walking nearby or crossing the road and accidents can result.

Distracted walking: Walking while using your cell phone or wearing headphones can be hazardous. Pedestrians must focus on the road ahead. Otherwise, they may not hear a car approaching.

Infrastructure issues: As identified by the Department of Transportation, infrastructure within cities can pose a threat to pedestrians. Cities that are not equipped with adequate sidewalks or crosswalks could contribute to pedestrian accidents.

Clogged roadways: Cities like Atlanta have grown considerably in recent years. With more cars on the road, there is a greater incidence of pedestrian accidents.

Put Our Law Firm's Over 39 Years Of Legal Experience To Work For Your Case!

If you or a loved one has been injured in an auto accident caused by someone else's negligence, contact Montlick & Associates today for your free consultation with an experienced Personal Injury Attorneys in Georgia. 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.

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There are time limitations for bringing a claim. Be sure to read our "Georgia Statute of Limitations" page for more information about important deadlines that effect your ability to file an injury claim. We also provide a "A Guide to Personal Injury Law in Georgia" that will help you better understand the laws the affect your case.

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Atlanta, GA 30329
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