Editor’s Note: This blog was previously published in April 2021 and has been updated for accuracy – December 2024.
Pedestrian Danger in Georgia: A Top 10 State for Risk
According to the 2024 Dangerous By Design report from Smart Growth America (SGA), Georgia continues to rank 9th in the most dangerous states for pedestrians. Many of our closest neighbors are faring even worse. In fact, 4 of the 10 most dangerous states are in the south, with Florida, Louisiana and South Carolina claiming the top three slots. That doesn’t mean the problem is concentrated in the southeast, though:
“A historic increase in these deaths from 2020 to 2021 shocked many, but this nationwide epidemic continues to get worse. In 2022, the most recent year with complete federal data, the number of people who were struck and killed while walking grew to 7,522, marking a 40-year high. This represents an astonishing 75 percent increase in these deaths since 2010.” (Dangerous By Design)
Why is Pedestrian Risk So High?
Many factors contribute to the growing risk to pedestrians in Georgia and around the country. The SGA report focuses on elements of road design, such as wide lanes, poorly marked crosswalks, and wide intersections. Some of the concerns raised in the report may be counterintuitive. For example, as a driver you may find a wider intersection easier to navigate. But, according to SGA, that’s precisely the problem: the ease of turning encourages drivers to make turns at higher speeds, reducing the reaction time available if a pedestrian enters the intersection and increasing the likelihood of serious injury or death.
How Speed Increases the Danger to Pedestrians
Speed increases the risk of hitting a pedestrian. That’s partly because the driver has less time to react and the pedestrian has less opportunity to change course, but there’s more. At higher speeds, the driver’s field of vision is reduced. Higher speeds also significantly increase the chances that a pedestrian hit by a motor vehicle will be killed. Even a small increase in speed can make a significant difference. In fact:
“The average risk of death for a pedestrian reaches 10% at an impact speed of 23 mph, 25% at 32 mph, 50% at 42 mph, 75% at 50 mph, and 90% at 58 mph.” (AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety)
The Impact of Larger, Heavier Vehicles
Larger, heavier vehicles are more likely to kill pedestrians.
“SUVs accounted for 48% of global car sales in 2023, reaching a new record and further strengthening the defining automobile trend of the early 21st century – the shift towards ever larger and heavier cars.” (International Energy Agency)
During the same period, the percentage of new-vehicle buyers opting for sedans has declined. The share purchasing pickup trucks has increased only slightly, but those vehicles have steadily increased in size. A pedestrian hit by an SUV, large pick-up truck, or other heavier vehicle is more likely to suffer serious injuries or die. A larger share of large, heavy vehicles on the road means a higher percentage of pedestrian accidents ending in death.
How Driver Distractions Increase Pedestrian Risk
Driving distractions have increased dramatically over the past couple of decades. Smart phones have provided access to an increasing number of communication channels, and in-vehicle devices (some designed to enhance safety) have added sounds and displays. Even utilitarian features like GPS can be a distraction. That’s in addition to standard non-tech distractions like children, pets, and passengers in the vehicle, reading billboards, changing the music, lighting a cigarette, and eating or drinking.
The Role of Risky Pedestrian Behavior
Pedestrians get distracted too. Thus far, experts disagree on how much phenomena like walking and texting and the widespread use of headphones among pedestrians and runners have impacted pedestrian risk. Still, we’ve all seen a pedestrian step into the intersection while looking down at her phone or called out to someone on the street who didn’t hear us because they were engrossed in the audio-book or podcast playing in their ears. But, that’s not the only way pedestrians contribute to accidents.
“The latest data shows that 36% of pedestrians – just more than 1 in 3 – were over the limit when they were hit and killed.” (U.S. Department of Transportation’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System)
Preventing Pedestrian Fatalities: What Can Be Done?
Some factors are outside the control of drivers and pedestrians, such as road design and crosswalk markings. And, the number of larger vehicles on the road isn’t likely to decline significantly in the immediate future. But, precautions from both drivers and pedestrians can help reduce the risks.
The most significant are obvious. Distracted driving increases the likelihood of a collision, including the likelihood of hitting a pedestrian. Speed increases the likelihood that a pedestrian who is hit will be seriously injured or killed. So, the simple steps of remaining vigilant on the road, observing speed limits, and reducing speed where safety requires it can significantly improve pedestrian safety.
It’s also important to note that some of the design flaws highlighted in the SGA report can be mitigated when drivers are conscious of the risks. For example, the natural impulse may be to take a wider turn at a higher rate of speed, but that’s a choice.
Legal Liability in Pedestrian Accidents
Most pedestrian accidents involve negligence on the part of at least one party. When a driver is negligent, whether that means speeding, driving under the influence, texting while driving, or some other carelessness, that driver may be liable for damages.
Secure Your Rights with Expert Legal Guidance
If you or a loved one have been involved in a pedestrian accident in Georgia, it’s important to consult an experienced car accident attorney. At The Balams Firm, we navigate the complexities of your claim and ensure all evidence is meticulously collected and presented. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us help you secure the justice and compensation you deserve.
