When thinking of transportation safety, automobile accidents may be the first thing that that comes to mind. However, a critical part of transportation safety is pedestrian safety. According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, the national rate of pedestrian fatalities has increased 19% since 2019 and continues to increase each year. In fact, the nation’s pedestrian fatalities have increased 77% since 2010, which is a drastic increase compared to the 25% increase in all other traffic fatalities.
Similar trends are occurring in the state of Georgia. In response, Georgia has created a Pedestrian Safety Action Plan which outlines strategies and action steps to increase pedestrian safety in the state. We are partnering with Gwinnett County to mitigate these statistics within their jurisdiction.
Sidewalk Improvements
Our team has worked on a few sidewalk connectivity projects within Gwinnett County including one along Old Peachtree Road in Johns Creek. For this project, our team provided concept development on an expedited rapid response project that Gwinnett County was able to build within the year.
Sidewalks, although oftentimes overlooked, play a huge role in pedestrian safety. Sidewalks provide many benefits, including increased community mobility, safety, and health.”
Victoria Guobaitis
Research from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) found roadways without sidewalks are more than twice as likely to have pedestrian crashes as those with sidewalks on both sides of the street.
Sidewalks provide options for commuting, especially when they provide access to transit. Additionally, by moving pedestrians off the travel lanes, motorists’ operations are improved, and capacity is increased. According to FHWA research, people will walk for recreational purposes if a facility is provided, and recreational walking is one of the easiest ways for people to get the recommended amount of physical exercise each day.
Tips for Pedestrian Safety
Another key part of Georgia’s Pedestrian Safety Action Plan is education for residents on best practices for pedestrian safety. Beyond sidewalks, there are many things pedestrians and motorists can do to be safer.
What can drivers do to stay safe?
- Always stop for pedestrians
- Reduce speed when approaching crosswalks
- Stop and yield the right of way to pedestrians when turning
- Be careful when passing buses or stopped vehicles
- Stay alert and put phones away. Pedestrians may enter your path suddenly.
- Obey the speed limit and drive to conditions
What can pedestrians do to stay safe?
- Always use sidewalks. If there is no sidewalk, walk on the left side of the road facing traffic.
- Always use crosswalks. Look left, then right, then left again before crossing.
- Yield to vehicles
- Don’t assume traffic will stop for you
- Make eye contact with drivers before crossing
- Walk to the right in crosswalks to allow others to pass on your left
- Look left and right before exiting a bus
- Be aware that parked cars or other obstacles can block your view of oncoming traffic
- Exit your car on the curb side of the street if possible
Our team is proud to support critical infrastructure which informs smart and safe choices for the Gwinnett County community.
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