Safety is always on our minds at Pritchard Injury Firm. And while we’re not looking to rush the summer, school will begin in roughly one month and more people will be on the road to and from schools and daycares.
Pritchard Injury Firm feels a responsibility to inform our communities in North Georgia and Tennessee of the trends impacting drivers and pedestrians and tips to stay safe.
A Look At The Numbers For Georgia and Tennessee
As previously reported, Georgia reached an unfortunate new milestone in 2022, with 335 pedestrian deaths. Newly released data from the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) indicates thatthis adjusted number marked a five-year high, and Georgia had the third-highest number of fatalities in the United States.
The preliminary numbers for the Peach State indicate 321 fatalities in 2023, which thankfully means 14 fewer pedestrians died due to auto accidents. But the drop-off is not enough, and mirrors the number in 2021, merely getting us back to the next-highest rate of the past five years.
Tennessee experienced a similar trend in their statistics. In 2022, the state saw 210 pedestrian deaths on the road, a high among the past five years (2019-2023). In 2023, preliminary GHSA numbers indicate a decrease to 187 fatalities.
Any decrease marks a trend in the right direction, but Pritchard Injury Firm believes North Georgia and Tennessee can further influence this trend.
Recent Pedestrian Tragedies in North Georgia and Tennessee
According to the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT), 95% of pedestrian deaths happen outside a crosswalk. Wittingly or unwittingly, pedestrians often put themselves at risk when they walk outside the lines.
This statistic proved prophetic once again in the early hours of July 5, 2024. WSB-TV reported that a person attempting to cross SR 154 near milepost 8 in Coweta County was struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver. As if that weren’t tragic enough, due to poor lighting conditions on the road, the victim was then run over by three more motorists.
Accidents occurring outside the crosswalk in places other than Georgia, of course. On July 1, 2024 a man died on Lee Highway in Tennessee when was struck by a vehicle at approximately 7:30 p.m. while crossing the road. This may be an example of another completely avoidable tragedy. Had the pedestrian used more caution or even called for the highway patrol, he could have crossed safely.
As recently discussed, residents of Chattanooga, Tennessee took to the City Council to address the succession of deadly collisions at Frazier Avenue intersections, one of which claimed the lives of a woman and her 22-month-old son who were visiting the area.
Pritchard Injury Firm can attest to the need for improvements to the area, as our Chattanooga office is located near the scenes of these tragedies.
Roadway and Infrastructure Updates in North Georgia and Tennessee
There are some positive developments that residents should know. For example, Georgia has authorized the use of speed cameras in school zones, which will hopefully deter reckless and distracted driving near schools and reduce injuries.
Earlier this year, the US DOT awarded the City of Chattanooga a $2 million grant to implement a solution for improving safety at mid-block crossings for pedestrians, bicyclists, and others not in vehicles. The solution will be based in Cellular Vehicle to Everything technology (known as C2VX) with a focus in the 3rd Street “Health” Corridor between Siskin Drive and Glenwood Drive. This stretch of road connects underserved communities with transit services, schools, and medical facilities and also provides residents with transportation connections among Erlanger, Parkridge, and Memorial Hospitals.
Despite these anticipated infrastructure upgrades, common sense and a sense of caution should be used at all times before crossing a street.
Five Tips For Pedestrians in GA and TN
Studies indicate that 9-out-of-10 pedestrians struck by a vehicle at 40 miles per hour will die. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends preventative measures that will protect you and those nearby:
● Always seek well-lit areas.
● Avoid alcohol and drug impairment when walking.
● Wear bright and/or reflective clothing, and use a flashlight at night.
● Watch for cars entering or exiting driveways or backing up in parking lots.
● Children younger than 10 should cross the street with an adult.
Even if the DOTs of Georgia and Tennessee make efforts to improve visibility on the roads, everyone must be more aware of pedestrians. Pritchard Injury Firm wants everyone to be safe, especially ahead of October, which is National Pedestrian Safety Month.
Your GA/TN Personal Injury Lawyer
Filing a claim quickly after a pedestrian accident and consulting with a personal injury lawyer in North Georgia or Tennessee will help maximize the value for your physical, mental and property damages.
Pritchard Injury Firm is here to provide the compassionate legal and emotional support you deserve. Contact Pritchard Injury Firm for a free consultation.