Following the recent “fall back” time change, the Georgia Department of Transportation (Georgia DOT) is issuing an urgent plea to motorists and pedestrians alike: exercise extreme caution to combat a significant rise in crashes and fatalities as daylight hours dwindle. The shift means less sunlight during critical morning and evening commute times, creating dangerous conditions that demand increased vigilance.

Studies consistently show that pedestrians are far more vulnerable to being struck by vehicles during evening hours. Nationally, over three-quarters of pedestrian fatalities occur after dark, and chilling data from the Governors Highway Safety Association reveals that fatal pedestrian crashes have nearly doubled in the past 13 years, soaring from 3,030 to 5,578 annually.

The situation in Georgia is particularly stark. Last year alone, 294 people were killed while walking in the state. Alarming statistics indicate that 95% of these fatalities happened outside of a crosswalk, with 84% occurring during low-light (early morning & early evening) or overnight hours. Furthermore, nearly one in four pedestrian fatalities resulted from motorists failing to yield. Georgia DOT also emphasizes the severe consequences of speed: a pedestrian struck by a vehicle traveling 40 MPH faces a 90% chance of death.

Beyond the immediate reduction in daylight, Georgia DOT points to several compounding factors. Shifting light conditions can create sun glare or a lack of expected light during critical driving periods. The disruption to sleep patterns can also lead to more drowsy driving or rushed, inattentive behavior.

“Safety remains a shared responsibility between motorists and pedestrians,” a Georgia DOT spokesperson stated, stressing the need for collective vigilance. “With the changing seasons and now the time change, there will be less sunlight, reducing visibility significantly compared to the past seven months. This requires everyone to adjust their habits.”

To mitigate these heightened risks, Georgia DOT has issued specific safety guidelines for motorists and pedestrians:

For Motorists:

  • Slow Down & Stay Alert: Reduce speed, put away cell phones, and remain constantly aware, especially during low-light, overnight hours, dimly lit areas, or bad weather. You need more time to see a pedestrian in your path.
  • Enhance Visibility: Keep your windshield clean and clear of condensation, frost, leaves, or other debris.
  • Be Aware of Pedestrians: Recognize that pedestrians wearing headphones, earbuds, winter hats, or earmuffs may not hear your vehicle approaching.
  • Increase 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.
  • Roadside Safety: If you require roadside assistance, please stay in your vehicle until first responders arrive. Remember and obey Georgia’s “Move Over Law” when encountering emergency or service vehicles with flashing blue, red, or amber lights by moving over one lane if safe and possible.

For Pedestrians:

  • Be Seen: 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.
  • Use Designated Paths: Walk on sidewalks whenever possible. Nearly two-thirds of fatalities occurred in locations without a sidewalk.
  • Cross Safely: Avoid jaywalking and crossing between parked vehicles. When crossing the street, look left-right-left for cars from the curb.
  • Don’t Assume: Never assume a driver sees you. Do not cross the street if a car is coming and use a crosswalk if available.

Georgia DOT is actively working to improve pedestrian safety through enhancements like improved medians, crosswalks, pedestrian signals, and added lighting, as part of its “SEE & BE SEEN” campaign. However, the department underscores that these efforts are most effective when coupled with attentive behavior from both drivers and walkers.

As the days grow shorter and visibility decreases, Georgia DOT reminds everyone: “Please Drive Alert, Arrive Alive!”