Last week, Macon-Bibb’s Pedestrian Fatality Review Board discussed what can be done to decrease the number of pedestrian accidents in Macon. Since the board last met in August, there have been two pedestrians struck and killed in an accident in Macon County GA.
The board members disagree on how to curb the number of pedestrian accidents.
Macon-Bibb Commissioner Elaine Lucas argues that education is key. Teaching is the most effective way to make an immediate impact, she said. Lucas suggested sponsoring a children’s safety fair around Halloween.
However, other board members feel education shouldn’t be the top priority.
Some board members said the focus should be on addressing road design and infrastructure problems. Board member Michael Ryan said he thinks enforcing the laws of the road is most important.
Captain Eric Walker, chairman of the Pedestrian Fatality Review Board, took the board members to the site of a recent hit-and-run pedestrian accident to show them what police look for during accident investigations. Walker said they examine a variety of components, including the condition of the road, weather conditions, and lighting conditions.
The board members who believe infrastructure is the problem suggest providing feedback to the Georgia Department of Transportation as they build new roads. Giving suggestions about speed limits and how many lanes make up a road can be helpful, they said.
The board agreed that better lighting would increase pedestrian visibility. A lighting management services agreement with Philips Lighting is reportedly in the works. City officials say this would bring consistency with the type of lights installed throughout Macon.
Macon-Bibb Among The Deadliest Counties in Georgia For Pedestrians
From 2008 to 2012, Macon-Bibb County had 30 pedestrian deaths. This makes it number 7 in the deadly county rankings in Georgia.
Macon-Bibb ranks even worse according to the per capita rate. With 3.86 pedestrian deaths per 100,000 residents, it had the second highest rate among all counties in Georgia.
At McArthur Law Firm in Macon, we have a proven record of fighting for our pedestrian accident clients. If you were a pedestrian injured in an accident, call 478-238-6600 (Macon, GA) or 404-565-1621 (Atlanta, GA) to discuss your situation with an attorney today.
