PEDESTRIAN AND MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS ACCOUNT IN PART FOR INCREASE TRAFFIC DEATH TOLL

Traffic deaths in the United States have reached their highest levels since 1990, according to government statistics cited by the Insurance Journal. This increase was attributed in part to increased deaths from motorcycle and pedestrian accidents. There are a number of reasons for the increase. One possible explanation is the rise in our urban/suburban populations. As these numbers increase, our roads and highways become more crowded. Another possible explanation for the increase in pedestrian injuries and deaths may be related to the dramatic increase in immigrants to this country. Many immigrants do not own motor vehicles and walk to get where they need to go. In our practice we have noted that a disproportionate number of pedestrian cases involve that segment of our society.
We currently represent a hispanic women was crossing a highway here in Atlanta with her two children in tow and was struck by a car. She sustained various non life-threatening injuries; however, one of her children sustained fatal injuries and the other child, an infant, (who she carrying in her arms) has sustained serious injuries, including a traumatic brain injury.
We, as drivers, must pay attention to what is going on around us as we drive and not be distracted by the use of Ipods, cell phones and other modern devices. In Georgia we have a legal duty to maintain a proper lookout ahead, to see what there is to see. Georgia law states, in pertinent part, “…every driver of a vehicle shall exercise due care to avoid colliding with any pedestrian upon any roadway, shall give warning by sounding his horn when necessary, and shall exercise proper precautions upon observing any child or any obviously confused, incapacitated, or intoxicated person”.