Atlanta Pedestrian Safety Stats

By Grant Law Office on October 4, 2015

If you live or work in the metro Atlanta area, you need to be extra alert when walking the sidewalks and crossing streets. According to an article in Atlanta Magazine, the Atlanta metro area is the eighth most dangerous area for pedestrians in the country. Only Orlando, Tampa-St. Petersburg, Jacksonville, Miami, Memphis, Birmingham, and Houston were more dangerous.

Citing a report by the National Complete Streets Coalition, 47,000 pedestrians were killed in the U.S. between 2003 and 2012. This is 16 times as many people killed in natural disasters like Hurricane Katrina. Georgia’s share of the pedestrian fatalities for that period was 1,564. More than half were in Atlanta.

Like so many other metropolitan areas in the South, Atlanta grew after World War II. It was a time of cheap gasoline and low credit. Urban areas were designed around the automobile, instead of pedestrians and public transportation.

Let’s face it: a 150-200 pound human being has little chance against a car weighing more than a ton. Even when the car is traveling at relatively low speeds, people get hurt. If the pedestrian survives, they’re likely going to face serious injuries.

If you or a loved one has been injured as a pedestrian, you need to consult an experienced personal injury attorney. Georgia state laws are very specific about the rights of pedestrians over those of drivers. The pedestrian always has the right of way in the Peach State. The Grant Law Office has represented injured pedestrians for over 30 years.

Call us today at (404) 995-3955 for a free, comprehensive case evaluation.

Source: http://www.atlantamagazine.com/news-culture-articles/report-metro-atlanta-ranks-no-8-for-pedestrian-danger/