Pedestrian fatalities increase by 15 percent in Georgia

SAVANNAH, GA (WTOC) - According to the Governor's Office of Highway Safety, 138 pedestrian fatalities have been reported in Georgia so far, increasing pedestrian fatalities in the state by 15 percent this year.

The Savannah Police Traffic Investigation Unit says almost every fatality is caused by pedestrians not using a crosswalk, and pedestrians are almost always at fault in these accidents.

In four out of the five fatalities in Savannah this year, the pedestrian was not in a crosswalk.

"Give them the right away unless they're going against the flow of traffic, and pedestrians, please do not walk against the flow of traffic. Make sure you obey the rules and regulations also," said Lt. Torrance Garvin.

Even though pedestrian deaths have risen in the state of Georgia, the number of deaths in Savannah have remained the same. In 2016, 2017, and 2018 from Jan. 1 - Aug. 2, five pedestrian fatalities have been reported in Savannah.

Police encourage citizens to use crosswalks, but also use them correctly. They say look both ways before crossing, wait for traffic signals to engage, and don't be on your phone while crossing the crosswalk.

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