Georgia Pedestrian Dies After Being Struck by Patrol Car on Christmas Day

A Georgia man has passed away after being struck by a Richmond County Sheriff’s Office patrol car at about 10:00 p.m. on Christmas Day. The victim, a 43-year-old man, was walking south along Meadowbrook Drive in Augusta with a female friend when the accident occurred. He was walking on the road’s shoulder while his companion was walking on the sidewalk. Deputy Kenneth F. McCormick was also traveling south on Meadowbrook. According to McCormick, the man suddenly stepped into his path and he was unable to avoid striking the pedestrian. 

The man’s unfortunate accident illustrates the dangers of pedestrian accidents. If you or a loved one have suffered an injury as a pedestrian, a Tifton personal injury lawyer can help you seek compensation. 

How Common Are Pedestrian Accidents? 

Pedestrian accidents are on the rise, according to a report by the Governors Highway Safety Association. Nationwide, pedestrian fatalities increased at a pace about nine times higher than population growth between 2019 and 2022 (an 18% increase in pedestrian fatalities vs. a 2% increase in population). In Georgia, the number of pedestrian fatalities has increased every year since 2020, from a low of 103 in 2020 to 165 in 2021 to 172 in 2022. Georgia was one of 24 states that saw an increase in pedestrian deaths between 2021 and 2022. 

Six Safety Tips to Avoid Becoming the Victim of a Pedestrian Accident 

While pedestrians almost always bear the brunt of the injuries in collisions with motor vehicles, there are several steps they can take to protect themselves from car accidents in the first place. 

• Use sidewalks: Remaining out of the right-of-way of vehicles by using sidewalks is the best way to prevent accidents. If there is no sidewalk, walk facing roadway traffic as far to the left as possible. 
• Maintain visibility: Pedestrians can decrease their chances of being struck by a car by maintaining their visibility. This could include walking only during the day or by carrying a flashlight if walking at night is unavoidable. 
• Watch out for distracted drivers: Do not assume that drivers are paying attention to their surroundings or are following the rules of the road. If possible, try to make eye contact with drivers to ensure that they see you. 
• Do not “text and walk”: The dangers of texting and driving are well-known; pedestrians can also lower their risk of being struck by vehicles by keeping their eyes on the road. 
• Use crosswalks: Many pedestrian accidents occur when pedestrians attempt to cross the street mid-block. Crossing at an intersection, even if there are no marked crosswalks, is generally a safer option. 
• Look both ways: When crossing a street, always look left, look right, and look left again before crossing. 

Speak to a Tifton Personal Injury Lawyer to Discuss Your Options for Recovery After a Pedestrian Accident

If you have suffered injuries in a pedestrian accident, you may be able to pursue a personal injury action if the accident was the result of someone else’s negligence. For more information, please contact a Tifton personal injury lawyer at the Hudson Injury Firm by calling 229-396-5848 or using our online form.