Stay Safe! Georgia DOT reminds Georgians that pedestrian safety is a shared responsibility
Daylight Saving Time ends November 2
ATLANTA - It's that time of year when clocks fall back an hour for Daylight Saving Time, this Sunday, November 2, at 2:00 a.m., and the Georgia Department of Transportation (Georgia DOT) is asking motorists and pedestrians to increase precautions to reduce crashes and fatalities as daylight hours decrease. Studies show pedestrians walking during the evening hours are more vulnerable to being struck by a vehicle. According to data from the Governors Highway Safety Association, more than three-quarters of pedestrian fatalities nationwide occurred after dark. In the past 13 years fatal pedestrian crashes have nearly doubled from 3,030 to 5,578.
Specifically, in Georgia:
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294 people were killed last year while walking in Georgia
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95% of pedestrian fatalities happen outside of a crosswalk.
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84% of those pedestrian fatalities occurred during low-light (early morning & early evening) or overnight hours.
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Nearly 1 in 4 of all pedestrian fatalities were due to motorists not yielding to pedestrians
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When a pedestrian is struck by a vehicle traveling 40 MPH, 9 out of 10 of those pedestrians will die.
Source: Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning
Safety remains a shared responsibility between motorists and pedestrians. With the changing seasons and now the time change, there will be less sunlight, reducing visibility in the morning and evenings compared to the past seven months. Changing light conditions will occur during key driving periods, potentially causing sun glare or lack of expected light which can affect visibility. Additionally, a disruption in sleep patterns can result in more drowsy driving or people rushing and not paying attention because they are running late. Georgia DOT is offering safety tips for both motorists and pedestrians.
MOTORISTS:
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Slow down, put down your cell phone, and stay alert. During low-light hours you need more time to see a pedestrian in your path.
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Use extra caution when driving in hard-to-see conditions, such as low-light and overnight hours, dimly lit areas, or bad weather.
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Keep in mind that pedestrians wearing headphones, earbuds, winter hats, or earmuffs may not hear your vehicle as it approaches.
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Make sure your windshield is clean and free of condensation or frost in cold temperatures, leaves and other debris, which can reduce your visibility.
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Increase your following distance. Glares from the sun can reduce visibility affecting your reaction time. Keep a safe distance between you and the vehicle in front of you.
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If you require roadside assistance, please stay in your vehicle until first responders arrive.
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Move over if you see first responders along the roadway. Motorists are reminded there is a Move Over Law in Georgia to protect first responders and those working along the roadway. When safe and possible, motorists are advised to move over one lane when blue, red or amber lights are flashing on a vehicle parked on the shoulder of the highway.
PEDESTRIANS:
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Carry a flashlight or attach reflective materials - like fluorescent tape - to clothing, backpacks, purses, and briefcases. These materials reflect light from headlights back to drivers, making it easier for motorists to see you.
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Walk on sidewalks whenever possible. Nearly two-thirds of fatalities occurred in locations without a sidewalk.
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Avoid jaywalking and crossing between parked vehicles.
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When crossing the street, look left-right-left for cars from the curb.
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Don't assume a driver sees you. Do not cross the street if a car is coming and use a crosswalk if available.
Georgia DOT is doing its part for pedestrian safety by improving medians, crosswalks, and pedestrian signals and adding lighting. Pedestrian safety is a shared responsibility between pedestrians and motorists, and must look out for each other. Georgia DOT's SEE & BE SEEN pedestrian safety campaign aims to make walking safe in Georgia. Stay focused on the road and avoid distractions.
Georgia DOT also cautions that the time change could catch some drivers by surprise, with sun glare or darkness occurring during at different parts of their familiar driving routine. Please Drive Alert Arrive Alive!
Georgia Department of Transportation plans, constructs and maintains Georgia's state and federal highways. We're involved in bridge, waterway, public transit, rail, general aviation, bike and pedestrian programs. And we help local governments maintain their roads. Georgia DOT and its nearly 4,000 employees are committed to delivering a transportation system focused on innovation, safety, sustainability, and mobility. The Department's vision is to boost Georgia's competitiveness through leadership in transportation.
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