Jeffrey H. Dover
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Atlanta Auto Accident and Medical Malpractice Attorney

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there were over 4,200 pedestrians killed in traffic crashes in the United States in 2010, and another 70,000 pedestrians were injured.  In Georgia alone, there were 168 pedestrian fatalities in 2010 and thousands of injuries.

Nationally, it is estimated that on average there is a crash-related pedestrian death every two hours, and a pedestrian injury every eight minutes. Pedestrians are 1.5 times more likely than passenger vehicle occupants to be killed in a car crash on each trip.

Pedestrian accidents often are caused by driver inattention and low visibility (such as at night, in the glaring sun or as a result of victims wearing dark clothing that blends in with the environment). Many of the pedestrians involved in traffic accidents in Georgia are senior citizens and children are at greater risk, too.
 

Pedestrian Safety Guidelines

When walking, it’s important to do what you can to reduce your chances of being involved in a pedestrian accident.  Some good guidelines to follow include:

1. Wear appropriate clothing. Many pedestrians who are struck by vehicles are walking at night in dark clothing. Bright colors that can be easily seen by drivers, especially when walking at night, are usually best.

2. Do not wear ear buds or earphones. Your chances of being hit by a car decrease when you can hear the traffic around you, so leave your phone or mp3 player in your pocket or your purse.

3. Avoid distractions. Texting or talking on the phone while you are walking can be distracting and can cause you to walk into traffic.

4. If sidewalks are available, use them. When walking where there are no sidewalks, stay as far off the road as possible, and always walk facing the traffic.

5. Avoid blind spots. Walking between parked cars to cross a street, for example, can prevent a driver from being able to see you. You want to make sure that you are always visible to oncoming traffic.

What to do if you have been hit by a car

If you have been injured in a Georgia pedestrian accident, you should see a doctor immediately and contact an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible

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