How Safe are Pedestrians in Georgia?

Published on: 04 January 2021 Last Updated on: 23 December 2024
Pedestrians

Georgia is a great place for people who like to walk. Many cities and neighborhoods dedicate their roads to walking communities.

Downtown Atlanta has walking paths for residents, employees, visitors, and customers.

The Metro Atlanta area is also full of pedestrian-friendly parks. And let’s not forget that the rural parts of the Metro area have abundant hiking trails.

All this makes Georgia seem very pedestrian-friendly. Not necessarily. While Georgia may encourage walking, pedestrians are only sometimes safe.

How Safe are Pedestrians in Georgia?

In 2019, Smart Growth America conducted an urban planning and development study. Atlanta was included in their research, including a portion dedicated to how pedestrian-friendly certain states are. How did Georgia rank? Put together by The Embry Law Firm, let’s look at some statistics:

  • Overall, the state ranked as the 6th most dangerous state for pedestrians.
  • The Metro Atlanta area ranked as the 25th most deadly region for pedestrians.
  • From 2008 to 2017, 1,782 pedestrians were victims of hit and run by cars across the state.
  • That accounts for 1.76 pedestrian deaths per 100,000 people (about the seating capacity of the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum).
  • The annual average number of pedestrian deaths in Georgia is 184. The national average is 1.55.
  • From 2011 to 2015, pedestrian deaths increased by 58%.
  • 78% of pedestrian injuries and fatalities occurred at “non-intersection” locations.
  • 52% of pedestrian injuries and deaths occurred while the individual was waiting to cross a road.

This data means that Georgia—and especially Metro Atlanta—may be friendly to pedestrians, but our state’s drivers are not.

Is the State Trying to Protect Pedestrians?

Knowing what we do about pedestrian accidents, injuries, and deaths across the state, we must consider whether our state leaders are taking action to reduce those numbers and save lives.

The answer is that, yes, state leaders are working on initiatives that could reduce the number of pedestrian accidents and deaths.

Georgia has adopted one major initiative called “Vision Zero.” This initiative comes from the idea that traffic fatalities can be reduced to zero through engineering, education, and enforcement (the 3 E’s).

Vision Zero holds to the notion that humans make mistakes. Therefore, a road system is required to ensure these mistakes do not lead to severe injuries or death.

Numerous countries and cities across the United States have adopted Vision Zero. Many have seen a dramatic improvement in their traffic fatality rates, including pedestrian deaths.

One of Vision Zero’s goals is to enhance road safety for everyone—drivers, bicyclists, motorcyclists, pedestrians, and public transit users.

What Can Pedestrians Do to Stay Safe?

Pedestrians can do their part in the fight to reduce the number of pedestrian accidents and fatalities each year. The Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety recommends the following:

  • Always walk on the sidewalk if possible. If there is no sidewalk, walk close to the left side of the street. When walking on the street, facing traffic.
  • Always cross the road at a crosswalk if one is available.
  • Stay in the street and attempt to dash in between traffic.
  • Pedestrians are required to obey traffic signals. Look for signals that say “walk” or “don’t walk.”
  • When walking near the street, wear bright clothing or use reflective gear.
  • Encourage your children not to play in the street, even in quiet neighborhoods.

You can’t control the actions of others, but as a pedestrian, you can take measures to keep yourself safe and out of harm’s way.

Whether you are commuting to work in Atlantic Station or walking a trail along the Chattahoochee River, walking is a favorite pastime for Georgians.

It is important, however, that all of us do our part—whether walking or driving—to protect ourselves and others around us. This is the best way to improve safety for all of Georgia.

Just Moving to Georgia (Road Safety Guide)

Georgia has reliable hours and an easy position. Therefore, you might end up here for your work purposes. However, when it comes to road safety, you need to be a little more careful with your approach.

To begin with, you will have to be wary of road safety measures and how to protect yourself against rash driving.

Now, here’s a thing that you want to remember, and that’s—crossing streets;

Cross streets at marked crosswalks or intersections; if none are available, keep well on the road to be seen. Stand clear of vehicles in case they roll backward.

Be Seen: Wear bright or reflective clothing if you are walking or biking in low lighting conditions, especially at night.

Make eye contact with drivers in the vehicle waiting for you to cross in front of them.

Avoid Distractions: Don’t use your phone or listen to music at a high volume while walking. Be aware of everything and everyone around you.

Educate Children: It is not just about your safety, especially if you are relocating your family alongside the job. Teach children to follow road safety precautions while crossing the roads.

Plan Safe Routes: Choose well-lit and less busy routes for walking. Know the normal traffic patterns around where you live.

Final Note

Whether you’re new to Georgia or you’ve lived here for some time, remember that safe walking can sometimes be your responsibility.

We have a combination of urban and rural settings in which to enjoy walking, but because of that fact, we must be aware of some simple tips to keep ourselves safe. Yes, appreciate other drivers, but when in doubt, always come back to his rulebook!

Read Also:

Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

View all posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related

Social Security Disability in Deland

Learn More About Social Security Disability in Deland

There are medical conditions that the Social Security Administration lists explicitly, and they can include both mental and physical conditions. The listing manual where all the disabilities can be found is called the Blue Book, and it has various tests, limitations, and symptoms that applicants should have to meet to get the benefits. Read more about the benefits on this page here. If an individual meets the criteria on the Blue Book, they will automatically become qualified for the SSI or social security income or SSDI or social security disability insurance benefits. When the applicants meet the criteria on the list, they need to show the limitations that prevented them from adjusting to their new work or doing their previous job through documentation and medical reports. Medical Impairment Present in the Listing Joint injuries, back pain, and other musculoskeletal issues Cardiovascular conditions such as coronary artery diseases or heart failures Speech and sense issues like loss of vision or hearing Respiratory problems involving asthma, cystic fibrosis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, cerebral palsy, and other neurological disorders Anxiety, intellectual disorders, autism, depression, and other mental disorders HIV, AIDS, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and other immune system issues Skin disorders like burns, dermatitis, or soft tissue injuries Problems with the digestive tract like inflammatory bowel diseases or liver diseases Genitourinary problems or kidney diseases Cancer Blood disorders like bone marrow failure or sickle cell anemia If you have a disability listed in the SSA’s list of impairments, the first thing you need to do is get a physician who can confirm and diagnose your medical condition. However, you will not automatically get approval after the diagnosis. You need to apply first, and this is where a Deland SSD lawyer can be helpful. They will help you know all the benefits you are entitled to, submit completed forms on your behalf and make appeals when the application gets rejected. There are a few conditions that automatically get approved, such as: You have Lou Gehrig’s disease or ALS Conditions that need kidney, liver, or another organ transplant Severe cancer like mucosal melanoma, esophageal cancer, small-cell carcinoma, anaplastic carcinoma of the thyroid gland (cancer of the ovaries, prostate, lungs, bladder, intestines, pleura, or breast. For any other conditions, the Social Security Administration will look for medical records and diagnoses to determine if you meet a specific criterion for an impairment. They will look for test results or x-ray results and blood tests for more information. The criteria may involve limitations on your cognitive or physical abilities. Some of the listing requirements may be complicated. There are illness-specific articles that can simplify the listings so patients can understand whether they can qualify for disability benefits. If you have not done any lab tests that are required on a specified listing, you can always ask a certified physician to perform them for you. There is also an option to wait for the SSA to pay for the consultative exam on your behalf but know that this will take longer. It is always a better option if all the required medical records are already attached to your application forms before applying. This way, you can check the results if you meet the listing requirements. Does Your Medical Condition Need to Match a Listing? Applicants who are filing for the SSD benefits will not need to be precise with the requirements to get approval. They do not need to have the same illness or condition before they can get the benefits. Instead, it is the SSA that considers all the aspects regarding your current condition and determines if it’s medically equivalent to the disability listing. According to the recent statistics, only 6% equaled a listing, and 37% “met” a listing. On the other hand, you can be eligible for disability benefits if your condition is not “equal” to the medical listing’s criteria. Suppose your condition can limit your entire functioning so much that you will not be able to work. In that case, there is the SSA’s consideration of the effect of your condition and how it is going to affect your work routine and daily activities. The personnel will then determine if there is something that you can do safely based on your current condition. This is termed as a “qualifying” vocational for disability benefits. An applicant does not necessarily have to experience a listed impairment before they can get awarded the benefits. As an example, some headaches or migraines are not necessarily included in the “Blue Book.” Learn more about claiming disabilities due to headaches here: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/migraine-disability. However, if these headaches are well-documented and are severe enough, this will enable the applicants to get disability benefits because their condition makes it impossible to work at a full-time job. One of the key essentials for those who have a condition that is not in the listing includes meeting the following conditions: Have a “medically determinable impairment.” The condition should reduce the residual functional capacity of the individual. This should be more than enough that they cannot get things done or do any jobs at all. Social Security will determine your residual functional capacity by looking at the amount that you can carry or lift and how long you can stand or walk. The agency will then assign you to an exertional level of sedentary, light, medium, or heavy. If your exertional level does not allow you to do work that you’re well-suited for, you will have a chance of qualifying for the vocational benefits in Deland. Other common impairments that are not necessarily listed in Social Security’s blue book may include: Carpal tunnel syndrome Fibromyalgia Degenerative disc disease Reflex sympathetic dystrophy Celiac disease Chronic regional pain syndrome If you have any of the above conditions, there is a chance that you may get approved into the SSI and SSDI qualifying disabilities. Some may have higher chances of getting approval than others. The conditions that stand a chance of getting approved include some types of cancers and multiple sclerosis. Others who have joint diseases or respiratory disorders may find themselves a priority on the list. You can consult an expert in Deland to know more about these. Read Also: How To Replace Your Social Security Card Online

READ MOREDetails
Medicaid

5 Things to Consider While Medicaid Planning – Keep This In Mind!

Medicaid refers to a federal and state-funded health insurance program covering senior citizens with a meager income, the visually impaired, or the physically challenged. Medicaid programs in different states must cover certain services, including x-ray and laboratory services, hospital care, and nursing care for adults. Who Is Eligible? Anyone who falls under the eligibility criteria has a right to apply for the program. They include most senior citizens and physically challenged people under cash assistance, caregivers and parents with very low income, children, and pregnant women with income below 138% of the federal poverty line. If you are planning to enroll in Medicaid, visit site to know five things to keep in mind: You Need to Show That You Are Financially Needy Medicaid is offered to those with very low-income levels, and therefore, you will need to demonstrate this aspect to be considered. So, when planning to enroll in the program, ensure that your countable assets are $2000 or less, excluding your home or motor vehicle. However, if you make more money, you can talk to your attorney to see what other options are available. Start Planning to Enroll Early If you believe you qualify and need Medicaid, the best time to start is now! The program has a look-back plan of 5 years, and this means that to qualify, you can give away your assets to your family and loved ones before this period. Any asset you give within the 5 years can disqualify you from accessing the benefits of the program. You Can Create an Irrevocable Trust None of us wants to see all our life savings disappear in the face of long-term healthcare. To cushion your assets from the high costs of healthcare that you may require while ensuring that you qualify for Medicaid, consider creating a trust that allows you to legally transfer your assets into a trust so you can claim Medicaid benefits. Understand What Medicaid Covers The federal government rules obligate states to offer some mandatory Medicaid services such as physician and hospital care. Aside from the essential mandatory services, however, different states have diverse packages. Therefore, when planning for Medicaid, ensure that you are well aware of what is in the package and whether or not it will be suitable for you. Think About the Application Process Just like most government programs, the process of applying for Medicaid benefits is a big step in your quest for health care. You may need to contact an estate planning attorney to help you break down the application process and advise you on creating the trust and asset transfer. Medicaid planning is an important option that you need to look into if you are in financial dismay and need long-term care in a nursing home. Medicare is essential in cushioning you from the burden of long-term healthcare, and as such, you need to plan early enough to ensure that you qualify for the program and that your income level and assets are within eligibility requirements. Read Also: How To Know If Your Health Insurance Covers Visits To The Chiropractor Self-employed Health Insurance: Best Types for Every Freelancer The Average Price Of Car Insurance In New York – What You Can Expect To Spend! The Top 3 Reasons That You MUST Get Equipment Insurance Before Starting Your Job

READ MOREDetails
Trial Lawyers

Three Practical Tips And Techniques For New Trial Lawyers

The trial lawyers that are new to the art should have a few tips that will make it easier for them to make the best choices while they are in the courtroom.  There are many people who would like to use the tips because they think that they need to get some information that will guide them through their trials.  You will feel as though you have a chance to guide the case on your terms when you are just starting out.  If you can guide the case, you have better chances of winning. 1. Only Ask Questions You Know The Answers To: You need to start reading as much as you can at places like https://www.lawsonlegal.com.au/ because you need to know how to ask questions during the trial.  You should only ask questions that you know the answers to.  You need to be sure that you have asked questions that will give people a chance to talk, and you must allow them the chance to talk.  Someone who is asking questions that are very open-ended can get some revealing answers.  You might have people musing on the stand, and they might give away things that you did not know. 2. Share Everything: Evidence in the case needs to be shared during discovery.  You will be penalized by the court, and that evidence might not be admitted into the case.  This means that you will have a much better chance of winning because you are also getting all the information from the other side.  You have to be willing to investigate everything that you are using, and you can create a profile for the case that will bring you a win.  Someone who is sharing their information is following the law while also getting back information they need. 3. Never Badger A Witness: You will never get anywhere when you badger witnesses.  They will not give you any information, and they will not respond the way that they do in the movies.  This means that you need to be as calm as possible.  You might be very upset, and you need to be sure that you have calmed yourself before you start talking.  The people who are questioning in court need to have a list of things to ask, and they need to do so in a way that gets people to answer in kind.  You never want to force the witnesses to hide things that you need to find out later on. Conclusion: The court case that you go through should be handled by someone who knows all the rules of the court.  You can learn them right now by studying this list.  You also need to be sure that you have calmed yourself so that you are not badgering witnesses.  Share everything you find in the case with the other side, make a profile for the case, and be certain that you have never asked questions you do not know the answer to in open court. Read Also: What You Need To Know To Win Your Slip & Fall Case 9 Money Tips For Millennial Injury Lawyers In Los Angeles Under What Circumstances Can You Bring A Claim Against An Employer?

READ MOREDetails