Summer Pedestrian Accidents in Georgia

Whether you are walking to a local shop for ice cream, going for a scenic bike ride, or taking an early-morning jog, warm weather lends itself to increased pedestrian activity on busy roadways. While the potential for good times increases in the summer, the potential for injury does as well. The more time pedestrians spend near fast-moving cars, the greater the likelihood they could be struck by a speeding, inattentive, or intoxicated driver.

Summer, especially, is a precarious time for pedestrians, since more cars are on the road during off-hours. There are early-morning and late-night road-trippers, people heading to various summer events, and drivers who would normally be at work out during the day.

More pedestrians are out and about as well. Children might be outdoors in the daytime instead of sitting in a classroom during the 8:00 am to 3:00 pm hours. They may be playing in the street or darting in front of a car to catch a ball. There are extra tourists coming into big cities like Atlanta and Savannah. More people are enjoying parties during the week and taking time off work. With more congestion on and off the roads, you will need to take extra precautions to ensure you and your family stay protected.

Keeping your family safe during the summer

Protecting yourself and your loved ones starts with developing strong safety habits, such as:

• Obey all traffic signals
• Always cross the street in a crosswalk
• Avoiding biking down busy streets
• Do not walk while distracted—keep your cell phone put away
• Be safe if you have been out drinking, and stay away from busy roads
• Wear bright clothing and reflectors when walking or biking at night
• Teach your kids to look both ways before crossing the street
• Pay attention to traffic lights and crosswalk signals
• Stay off highways whenever possible

The most important safety tip is simply to stay alert and use your best judgment.

Auto accidents involving pedestrians

Unfortunately, car crashes can happen to anyone, anytime. Although the law tells drivers to yield to pedestrians, you cannot always expect people to follow the rules. Negligent drivers who strike pedestrians should be held fully accountable under the law. They have an obligation to drive safely, obey traffic laws, and watch out for pedestrians. When they fail in that duty, the injured pedestrian may be eligible for compensation.

At Harris Lowry Manton LLP, we want to protect you and your children this summer. Our Georgia pedestrian accident attorneys have your best interests in mind. If you or a loved one was injured by a reckless driver, please call our Atlanta office at 404-961-7650 or our Savannah location at 912-651-9967. Alternatively, you can complete our contact form to learn more about how we can hel