Why are Pedestrian Accidents So Common in Atlanta
As a bustling metropolis with an ever-growing population, Atlanta sees its fair share of traffic. Unfortunately, this means that pedestrian accidents have become an alarmingly common occurrence in recent years, with Georgia rapidly becoming one of the most dangerous states in the nation for pedestrians. Read on to learn more about this trend, as well as its causes and potential solutions.
High-Speed Zones
According to the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT), one of the leading causes of pedestrian accidents in the state is high-speed limits, usually exceeding 40 mph or more. These higher speeds means that vehicles are able to cover more ground in less time, giving drivers and pedestrians even less time to react to each other and increasing the chances of a collision. Furthermore, accidents at these kinds of speeds make it much more likely that a pedestrian will suffer a catastrophic and even fatal injury.
Mixed-Use Areas
Atlanta is also home to a lot of mixed-use areas. While having a mix of commercial, retail, and residential spaces makes for a more efficient shopping experience, it also comes with a higher volume of pedestrian activity. This is perfectly fine if there is adequate infrastructure to keep those pedestrians safe. Unfortunately, the design of these multi-use spaces is often more favorable to vehicles, which creates a hazardous environment for anyone on foot. Problems include a lack of crosswalks and traffic lights, as well as high speed limits.
Multi-Lane Roads
Besides higher speed limits and a higher ratio of mixed-use areas, Atlanta is also home to a higher than average number of multi-lane roads. While this means that there is a better chance of traffic moving more smoothly, it also comes with a downside, because when there are five or more lanes, the risks for pedestrians increases considerably. With multiple lanes to cross, the chances of being involved in a collision go up exponentially, especially when a driver isn’t paying attention.
Public Transit Routes
A lot of people in Atlanta, whether visitors or residents, use public transportation to get around. This is fuel and cost efficient, but also comes with risks for pedestrians, as busy public transit routes are one of the most common sites of pedestrian accidents in the city. Trams and buses must stop frequently to let passengers on and off and this can obscure a driver’s view of a pedestrian, resulting in a collision. Increasing reports of driver distraction are also thought to contribute to the number of pedestrian accidents that occur on public transit routes in Atlanta.
Call Today for a Free Consultation
Whether your pedestrian accident was the result of an eroding infrastructure, increasing traffic congestion in Atlanta, or driver negligence, you can and should be compensated for your accident-related losses. To learn more about your legal options following a crash, please reach out to the experienced Atlanta pedestrian accident lawyers at Shiver Hamilton Campbell today. You can set up a free consultation by calling our office at 404-593-0020 or by leaving us an online message.
Sources:
dot.ga.gov/DriveSmart/Travel/BikePed/BikePedSAP.pdf
forbes.com/advisor/legal/auto-accident/pedestrian-accident/
