Georgia roads have become much more dangerous for pedestrians as the number of pedestrian fatalities has dramatically increased over the past decade. There are new road safety initiatives to try to bring the number of deaths down to zero. However, these safety programs will be working against the trends that have caused fatalities to increase in the first place.
The sad statistics of pedestrian fatalities
The statistics for pedestrian deaths are certainly unfortunate. From 1988 through the end of 2009, the number of fatalities saw a steady decrease. However, the slide ended there, and the numbers began to increase at that point. From the end of 2009 through 2019, the number of deaths went up from 4,109 to 6,590. This is a nearly 60% increase. Many of the deaths are concentrated in the more populated states.
The factors behind the increase in deaths
It is worth considering why pedestrian fatalities have increased. There are several factors behind this. The first is that the vehicles driven by motorists are larger than they used to be in the past. Now, most motorists operate SUVs or light trucks, making an accident more deadly for a pedestrian. In addition, more drivers are distracted behind the wheel thanks to the growing use of cell phones while the vehicle is being operated. Finally, warmer weather means that more pedestrians are outside, making the crosswalks more crowded than they were. Even safety initiatives may not overcome all of these factors that have increased the dangers for pedestrians.
If you or a loved one have been seriously injured as a pedestrian, you may be entitled to substantial legal compensation. If you can prove that the driver was negligent, they can be made to pay for injuries or death suffered by the victim. Your first step is to consult with a pedestrian accidents attorney who can advise you of your legal rights and help you with the process of filing a claim or lawsuit.
