In highly populated areas, car accidents involving pedestrians are unfortunately common. While they also occur in rural areas, the circumstances of the urban environment are more conducive to pedestrian accidents. According to Merriam-Webster, a pedestrian is someone who is traveling, or going, on foot. Pedestrians are quite common in busy areas, with everyone walking to and from work, engaging in exercise, or traveling to points of interest and restaurants. 

Pedestrians, however, are at an increased risk of getting hit by cars. In fact, instances of pedestrian fatalities in the state of Georgia have been on the rise over the past decade. 

Crosswalks are designated areas (usually outlined in white paint on the roadway) where pedestrians can cross the street safely at certain times. While nearly everyone should know how crosswalks work, not every driver is diligent in following these rules. When a driver ignores the rules of the crosswalk, a pedestrian accident can occur. 

In the state of Georgia, it is illegal for drivers to cut pedestrians off in the crosswalk or to try to squeeze past them when they are on the same side of the roadway. The law that instructs drivers on exactly what to do when a pedestrian is in a crosswalk is called “The Stop and Stay Law.” 

The Stop and Stay Law is self-explanatory: the driver must stop and stay stopped in order to let the pedestrian cross the road safely. The pedestrian, however, must also use caution when crossing the street. They must not suddenly walk into the road or put themselves in the path of an oncoming vehicle that does not have time to stop. 

In spite of the law, and in spite of the risk of tickets, injuries, and vehicle damage, drivers still might not exercise the appropriate caution when dealing with pedestrians. In this latest blog post, we will outline some of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents. 

Distracted Driving 

Distracted driving accounts for the most pedestrian accidents in the state of Georgia. While programs like the Bicycle & Pedestrian Program attempt to increase awareness of lawful pedestrian activities and educate drivers about pedestrian safety, these instances are still unfortunately a common occurrence. 

Many times, distracted driving has to do with the driver being on the cell phone while driving. This could include either texting or being on the phone. But there could be other instances of distracted driving that occur in other ways. 

Examples include eating, applying makeup, and programming the GPS or radio. Across different types of motor vehicle accidents, distracted driving is consistently the number one cause. 

It is crucial that drivers understand their responsibilities while they are on the road. They should keep their attention on the road at all times. Drivers should also take time out to check their mirrors before embarking on any journey. Properly adjusted mirrors (both rear view and side mirrors) can make it possible to see pedestrians in what would otherwise be a blind spot. 

Speeding 

One of the most common causes of motor vehicle accidents involving pedestrians is speeding. In these cases, the driver is driving too fast. When drivers engage in speeding, the time needed to stop is limited, and they cannot stop the car in time if there is a pedestrian in the roadway. The faster a vehicle is moving, the more devastating the crash. 

While many drivers engage in the act of speeding, it does have its consequences. Drivers should take the time to acknowledge speed limit signs and check that they are going the appropriate speed for the area. Cutting down on speeding and being more vigilant will help save pedestrians’ lives. 

According to the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, the Atlanta area accounted for 60% of pedestrian-related crashes in Georgia. This far exceeds the population percentage of the area relative to the state at large. Therefore, it is important to ensure that drivers know the best course of action when dealing with pedestrians on the road. 

Drowsy Driving 

In today’s fast-paced world, we could probably all use a little bit more sleep. But that’s no excuse for getting behind the wheel when you’re sleep deprived. In the state of Georgia, drowsy driving, or driving after not having had enough sleep, is a leading cause of pedestrian accidents. The effects that drowsiness can have on a driver mimic the effects of drugs and alcohol: According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, sleepiness can affect cognition and performance. 

Generally speaking, pedestrian accidents related to drowsy driving include three factors:

• Occurring between midnight and 6 a.m. or in the late afternoon, which is when people often experience dips in the internal clock that regulates sleep patterns

• Usually involve a single driver (and no passengers) running off the road at a high rate of speed with no evidence of braking

• Unlike other pedestrian accidents, they frequently occur on rural roads and highways

In Georgia, 79% of pedestrian accidents occurred during the night time hours. This could be due to drowsy driving or something like pedestrian visibility. This is why it is crucial for drivers to ensure that they get enough sleep (or that they get a ride from a rideshare or a friend if they are too sleepy) and that pedestrians wear visible clothing at night.

Failure to Adhere to Roadway Rules 

In a broad sense, when drivers fail to adhere to roadway rules, pedestrian accidents can occur. 

According to a municipal study, the most common maneuvers drivers performed immediately prior to a pedestrian accident were making a left turn, making a right turn, backing up or making a U-turn immediately before hitting or injuring a pedestrian. That is why it is crucial for drivers to take the time to check for pedestrians before making these types of maneuvers. 

As mentioned previously, drivers should always check for pedestrians in sidewalks before proceeding into turns. If a driver fails to stop for pedestrians, they are subject to a traffic ticket. Drivers should also take extra precautions in busy areas, at night, and should always follow all traffic signs and regulations in the area. 

What Pedestrians Can Do 

A pedestrian is also likely to be involved in an accident when he or she darts in front of a vehicle, doesn’t wear reflective gear at night, or disrupts the normal flow of traffic. This is why it is crucial for pedestrians to do their part when taking to the streets. You should always wear visible clothing, adhere to crosswalk and traffic signal regulations, and stay in designated areas. 

Regardless of the circumstances surrounding your accident, it is important for you to contact a personal injury attorney if you were injured in an accident while you were a pedestrian. Call us today for a free consultation of your case–you shouldn’t have to suffer due to someone else’s negligence. 

The Takeaway 

Many times, pedestrians take every precaution when walking around their city. They remain vigilant and engage in careful, prudent actions. However, sometimes accidents still can occur due to a motor vehicle driver’s negligence. You as a pedestrian are entitled to rights if you’ve suffered an injury as a result of someone else’s actions. 

Pedestrians may also have cases against property owners, drivers, construction zone managers, and/or several other parties for damages, depending on the situation. Personal injury claims may not be able to fix the issues causing an increase in pedestrian deaths in Georgia, but they can help victims look forward to brighter futures.

At Castan & Lecca, we know what it takes to fight for your rights after you’ve sustained an injury, which is why we take pride in our team of experienced attorneys who consistently deliver superior results. Call us today for a free consultation of your case.