Atlanta Journal Constitution (AJC) reported there were two pedestrians killed within a 12 hour period in Metro Atlanta earlier this year. One of the pedestrians who was killed was a 75-year-old man from Marietta who was struck and killed at South Cobb Drive and Waltham Avenue.

South Cobb Drive is a street with two lanes going north, two lanes going south, and a center turn lane. The pedestrian was hit in the center turn lane. There are not any crosswalks located in the area; however a crosswalk is situated 300 feet to the north of the area where the pedestrian was killed. Police indicated the older man had stepped into the road in the path of a truck for unknown reasons. Police believe the pedestrian was hit both by a truck as well as by a newer model white sedan. The driver of the white sedan did not stop his vehicle.

The second accident in a 12 hour period occurred in North Fulton County. This accident involved a 61-year-old man who was hit by a car as he crossed the road at Coleman Road and Marietta Highway. The victim of the accident died at the scene of the crash. No additional details had been released by investigators about this accident.

A Cobb police sergeant who spoke with the Atlanta Journal Constitution about the accidents expressed concern about people crossing highways, commenting: "we do see a number of people try to cross these multi-lane highways outside of the crosswalk, and that's a big concern for his. Pedestrians need to ensure they stay on crosswalks when walking across busy roads to try to avoid potentially fatal car accidents.

Understanding Atlanta Pedestrian Accident Risks

The Atlanta accident reported on the AJC is like many pedestrian collisions because it occurred outside of an intersection. While it may be natural to suspect pedestrian accidents to occur at stop signs, traffic lights and other intersections, many of these accidents occur at non-intersection locations. Pedestrian accidents are also much more likely to occur in urban areas - like metro Atlanta - as compared with more rural locations.

With so many drivers and walkers sharing the road with one another in urban areas, it's critical that drivers always remain on the lookout for pedestrians, whether at an intersection in the heart of the city or a side street.

Drivers should also remain especially aware while inside parking lots and garages. Here, pedestrians may be at risk while walking from behind a car or while a driver is backing up - these accidents, known as "backover accidents" - cause countless of injuries and fatalities each year throughout the United States.

Drivers should also pay special attention to their surroundings when operating a motor vehicle at night. A disproportionate amount of pedestrian-vehicle accidents happen at night, when motorists and pedestrians alike may have difficulty seeing one another.

By taking these steps, drivers can remain more alert and aware on Georgia roadways and prevent serious and potentially fatal accidents involving pedestrians.