Did you know that Georgia and Tennessee were both rated in the top 10 most dangerous states for pedestrians in 2022?

It’s sad, but true.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Georgia and Tennessee were respectively ranked #6 and #8 highest in all 50 states when compiling the pedestrian fatality rate per 100,000 population. We want fewer car accidents in North Georgia and Tennessee, and drivers and pedestrians need safer travel practices to move these numbers down.

October is traditionally one of the most dangerous months for pedestrians, with more children and parents walking to school, enjoying the outdoors in the comfortable Autumn weather and of course, Halloween closing out the month. National Pedestrian Safety Month is observed every October in the U.S. for these reasons.

The States of Georgia and Tennessee provide tips for safe trick-or-treating that should be heeded by anyone taking part in Halloween festivities. Let’s review.

Safety Tips for Pedestrians and Trick-or-Treaters

• Younger children should be accompanied by an adult. Older children should travel in groups.
• Be sure your children know to look both ways before crossing the street and to only cross at corners or crosswalks. This is even more important when it’s dark outside.
• Always walk on sidewalks or paths. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible.
• Plan a safe route, sticking with familiar neighborhoods and houses that are well-lit inside and outside. Avoid areas and intersections in North Georgia and Tennessee known to be dangerous for cyclists and pedestrians.
• Be alert to dogs and pets that may be protective of their homes or yards. Never give candy to a pet. Dog bites can be extremely severe, painful and costly.

Safety Tips for Drivers

• Be alert for trick-or-treaters on Halloween. Slow down and continue to scan the road in areas where they are likely to be or where sight distances are limited.
• On Halloween there will likely be more pedestrians on the roads and in places where they are not expected. Slower speeds save lives.
• Stay alert for pedestrians who may come out from between parked cars or behind shrubbery. Stop, wait for them to pass.
• Don’t look at your phone when you’re driving. Your attention needs to always be on the road. Distracted driving accidents rise immediately before, during and after Halloween. Georgia and Tennessee have bans on handheld phones and text messaging for drivers, so follow the law. Chattanooga, for example, has particularly high distracted driving rates, which is a key reason why updates to the Hands-Free TN Law were enacted in 2024.
• If you see a drunk driver on the road, contact law enforcement.

By practicing these safety tips in North Georgia and Tennessee, we can drive new injury and fatality trends in Chattanooga, Woodstock, Cartersville and greater North Georgia, in the right direction – downward.

Your GA/TN Injury Lawyer

Filing a claim quickly after a pedestrian or auto 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. ContactPritchard Injury Firm for a free consultation.