Gwinnett Pedestrian Deaths Up in 2014; Most Were in West Precinct

Pedestrian deaths in Gwinnett County have spiked this year, but many of them could have been prevented, police said.

There have been 11 pedestrian deaths in 2014, up from seven in 2013 and five in 2012. Almost all of them occurred at night and a majority took place in western Gwinnett, particularly in the areas of Jimmy Carter Boulevard, Singleton Road and South Norcross Tucker Road, Gwinnett Police said in a Tuesday news release.

“If events continue to occur at the current rate, GCPD could see 14 pedestrian fatalities by the end of 2014,” the news release stated. “To this date in 2014, eight of the fatalities were adult males, two were adult females, and one was a child. Only one of the fatalities took place in a crosswalk.

“Ten of the 11 pedestrians killed in 2014 were at fault in the accident.”

Gwinnett Police added a majority of the deaths could have been prevented had the pedestrians used the crosswalk and obeyed pedestrian traffic control signals.

Police said it has increased enforcement of pedestrian laws, and will conduct special enforcement operations in the coming weeks.

Pedestrian safety tips from GCPD:

• Cross only in a crosswalk whenever possible.
• Always obey pedestrian traffic control devices and signals.
• Don’t assume a driver can see you, just because you can see the vehicle. This is especially important at night.
• Whenever possible, make eye contact with approaching drivers to ensure they see you, before crossing a road.
• When riding a bicycle or running on a road, wear bright, reflective clothing.
• Stay off the roads after consuming alcohol, both in your vehicle and on foot.
• Review Georgia Law (O.C.G.A. 40-6-90 through 40-6-99) regarding pedestrians and pedestrian right of way. Remember that pedestrians lose versus vehicles, regardless of who has the right of way, and put safety first.