Georgia is well-known for its underdeveloped crosswalks and sidewalks, especially in northeast Georgia where many neighborhoods lack safe crossing areas for residents heading to work, school, or church. Several major roads are also missing sidewalks, leading to unfortunate incidents where pedestrians have been hit by drivers straying from their lanes. Tragically, many of these victims are children. If you or a loved one are ever affected by such an incident, our pedestrian injury attorneys in Athens are here to assist you.
Under Georgia law, specifically O.C.G.A. § 40-6-93, drivers are required to exercise due care to avoid colliding with pedestrians. This includes taking appropriate precautions when they see children or any individual who appears to be confused, incapacitated, or intoxicated.
Additionally, O.C.G.A. § 40-6-92 addresses situations involving jaywalking and crossing streets. According to this law, pedestrians must yield to vehicles if they are not yet in the crosswalk when a car is approaching. However, if a pedestrian is already in the crosswalk, they have the right of way. This distinction is crucial for both drivers and pedestrians to understand.
Another part of the law allows pedestrians to legally cross the street at a location without a crosswalk, provided there is no traffic light at either end of the street segment they are crossing, with “end” referring to the next cross street.
Our Athens car accident attorneys are knowledgeable about these laws and can offer expert legal assistance in cases involving auto accidents.
Pedestrian accidents in Athens, GA, are unfortunately common, and they stem from various causes.
Inadequate Infrastructure
One primary factor is the inadequate infrastructure, including poorly developed crosswalks and sidewalks. Many neighborhoods lack safe crossings, forcing pedestrians to navigate dangerous roads without proper protection. This issue is compounded by the absence of sidewalks on several major roads, increasing the risk of pedestrians being struck by vehicles.
Driver Behavior
Another significant cause is driver behavior. Speeding, distracted driving, and failure to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks are frequent contributors to accidents. Distracted driving, often due to mobile phone use, diverts a driver’s attention away from the road, making it easier to overlook pedestrians. Additionally, aggressive driving and disregard for traffic signals can lead to severe incidents, especially in busy areas with high foot traffic.
Pedestrian Behavior
Pedestrian behavior also plays a role in these accidents. Jaywalking, crossing streets without using designated crosswalks, and not obeying traffic signals can put pedestrians in harm’s way. The lack of awareness or misunderstanding of traffic laws can further exacerbate these dangers.
Visibility Issues
Moreover, visibility issues contribute to pedestrian accidents. Poor lighting conditions at night or during bad weather can make it difficult for drivers to see pedestrians. Similarly, pedestrians wearing dark clothing at night are at a higher risk of not being seen by drivers.
Alcohol Use
Lastly, alcohol use by both drivers and pedestrians is a notable cause. Intoxicated drivers have impaired reaction times and judgment, while intoxicated pedestrians may misjudge distances or step into traffic unexpectedly.
Addressing these issues requires a combined effort of improving infrastructure, enforcing traffic laws, and raising awareness about safe behaviors for both drivers and pedestrians.
If you or someone close to you is involved in a car accident in Athens and the driver denies responsibility for the injuries, having eyewitness testimony and physical evidence can be crucial. In some instances, we’ve been able to obtain surveillance footage from nearby businesses to support our cases. However, more often than not, a reliable eyewitness is the most helpful evidence you can have. If you’re injured, it’s important to seek medical attention right away and document your injuries, as well as any police reports related to the incident.
For any specific questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us and ask for Christopher Simon, our Athens pedestrian injury attorney.
