Pedestrian Traffic Deaths In 2016: Georgia Sees Increase

WASHINGTON, DC — Pedestrian traffic fatalities in 2016 increased by roughly 21 percent in Georgia compared with 2015, according to a new study by the Governor’s Highway Safety Association released last week.

According to the analysis of preliminary data, pedestrian traffic fatalities increased in 34 states and decreased in 15 states and the District of Columbia. Overall, the study estimates that the number of pedestrians killed in 2016 increased by 11 percent compared to 2015, the largest annual increase in both the number and percentage of pedestrian fatalities in 40 years. The increase for all of 2016 was estimated based on preliminary data provided by State Highway Safety Offices for the first half of 2016.

According to the study, between January-June 2016, there were 109 pedestrian traffic fatalities in Georgia. For the same period in 2015, there were 90 pedestrian traffic fatalities.

The GHSA says factors such as increased driving, fuel prices and the amount of time people spent walking all likely contributed to the increase in pedestrian fatalities. A more recent factor for the increase may be the use of smartphones while walking and driving, which can be a source of distraction for both pedestrians and motorists.

As a percentage of total motor vehicle deaths, pedestrian deaths increased from 11 percent to 15 percent between 2006-2015.

The study also highlighted what states are doing to combat the increase in pedestrian fatalities. In Georgia, a SEE & BE SEEN campaign was launched encouraging drivers to look out for people walking and pedestrians to cross the road where they can best be seen. Section 402 funds are used to provide pedestrian safety enforcement grants to police agencies.

Engineering efforts undertaken by the Georgia Department of Transportation include:

• High risk bus stop corridor inventories to identify opportunities for improvement;
• Pedestrian-focused road safety audits;
• An updated Pedestrian and Streetscape Guide that includes clear guidelines for placement and protection of crosswalks;
• Analysis of hospital-based pedestrian injury data to target high-risk areas;
• Review of infrastructure projects at the concept level to ensure that all are in line with GDOT’s Complete Streets policy and will appropriately accommodate pedestrians; and
• Developing guidance and training employees to include pedestrian safety improvements in roadway maintenance and design projects.

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