For Pedestrians:
–Use sidewalks whenever available; if you must walk on the road, face oncoming traffic.
-Cross only at marked crosswalks and obey pedestrian signals — over 95% of pedestrian fatalities in Georgia occur outside these crossings.
-Make eye contact with drivers before stepping off the curb — visibility matters.
-Avoid distractions—like phones or headphones—that reduce awareness.
For Drivers (on Roads and Urban Areas):
-Slow down in school zones, residential areas, and at night. High speeds dramatically increase the chance of severe injury or death.
– Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks — Georgia law (O.C.G.A § 40-6-91) demands drivers stop when a pedestrian is in or approaching your lane. Avoid distractions such as texting, eating, or adjusting the radio while driving.
– Stay off the road if you’re tired, impaired, or in poor weather conditions.
–Be extra cautious in urban areas, especially intersections: 73% of fatal pedestrian crashes occur in urban settings, and 79% happen away from intersections.
Understanding the Risks:
-Between 2011 and 2015, Georgia averaged 9 pedestrian-vehicle crashes per day, totaling 13,818 injuries (including fatalities) and 847 pedestrian deaths — representing 14% of all traffic fatalities.
-From 2019 to 2022, pedestrian fatalities in Georgia rose a staggering 57.8%.
-Georgia’s pedestrian death rate averaged 2.66 deaths per 100,000 population, ranking the state 9th highest in the nation for pedestrian fatalities.
These numbers tell us that pedestrians are particularly vulnerable — and prevention requires effort from both walkers and drivers.
About Injuries:
When a pedestrian is struck, the consequences can range from minor cuts and bruises to life-altering injuries like spinal trauma or traumatic brain injury. Georgia’s data reveals that 80% of pedestrian-vehicle crashes cause injury, and 5% result in death, compared to only 0.5% fatality rate among all transportation crashes.
If you or someone you love is seriously injured in a pedestrian or road traffic accident, you don’t have to face it alone. Pourreza Law stands ready to help — guiding you through medical, legal, and insurance challenges to ensure you receive the protection and compensation you deserve.
