9 year-old hit and run victim remains critical; APD patrolman talks driver/pedestrian accident prevention & safety

ALBANY, Ga. – A nine-year-old girl remains extremely critical today after being hit by a car on Monday in a residential neighborhood.

Although the Albany Police Department declared the incident a hit and run after the 16 year-old driver left the scene, accidents similar to this aren’t uncommon. Albany witnessed four fatal pedestrian accidents just in the first four months of 2022.

Additionally, Georgia is one of the highest ranked when it comes to pedestrian-traffic fatalities from 2019 to 2022. The Peach State totaled 335 pedestrian fatalities just last year, according to the Governors Highway safety Association. 

APD Patrolman, Preston Ford, says there is almost always a common cause for these tragedies.

“Distractions, speeding, you know cellphones are obviously a huge thing. Speed especially here in Albany is unfortunately a big thing. A lot of people speed everywhere they go for no reason. Even like, eating food can take your focus off of the road and anytime that your focus is taken off of the road there’s a potential for things to enter the road, which could be a pedestrian,” said Ford.

An APD press release stated a group of children were crossing North Maple Street when the young victim ran into the road and was struck by a 2019 Nissan Sentra on Monday.

On top of avoiding distracted driving, Ford says vehicle-pedestrian accidents, especially those involving children, can easily be prevented, most of the time.

“Parents need to watch their kids and if you decide to let your kids go to the store, you need to go with them. There’s no reason a young child should be walking anywhere unattended by an adult,” Ford said.

Fatal or critically injurious accidents are tragic not only because of the loss or potential loss of life, but also because of the potential sentencing the driver could face, even if it was just an accident.

Punishments can range from serious prison or jail time, probation, restitution, suspended drivers license, fines and more depending on the nature and details of the incident.

However, Ford says it’s important for pedestrians to obey traffic laws just as it is for drivers. For many pedestrian fatalities occur due to failure to obey basic crosswalk or pedestrian laws.

“Crosswalks are there for a reason. The stoplights are where the crosswalks are located so Anytime there’s a crosswalk at a stop light, they work together to allow the pedestrians at a certain time and the cars to go at a certain time. So, if you’re crossing at a spot where there’s not a crosswalk or a traffic light, you have the greater potential to be struck by a vehicle,” Ford explained.

Not only can drivers suffer legal penalties, but pedestrians can too. Therefore, it is important Georgian’s understand their rights and laws when driving or when walking on the street.

According to Georgia Auto Law Georgians have the right to use sidewalks, crosswalks, and roadways while walking. A driver must stop for pedestrians crossing marked crosswalks adjacent intersections, or unmarked crosswalks within the view of the driver, regardless of whether the crosswalk is marked. Additionally, pedestrians have the right of the way in crosswalks and at intersections when traffic signals indicate it is safe for pedestrians to cross the roadway.

A Georgia driver must further exercise due care to a serious vehicle or pedestrian accident, avoid colliding with pedestrians and provide an audible signal when necessary to do so. Pedestrians are protected from any negligent drivers, reckless, or distracted vehicle drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

With this, it is important to note that pedestrians cannot suddenly leave the curb and run or walk into one direction the traffic lanes or the path of a vehicle approaching, whose proximity makes it impossible for it to yield. Pedestrians are also required to obey traffic control signals, such official traffic control devices such as the “walk signal” and “don’t walk signal”.

In general, pedestrians are required to exercise due care and act reasonably when crossing streets. Those who do not comply with these rules can receive citations, fines, and even be involved in accidents. To improve the pedestrian safety of all road users, it is important to understand when and where pedestrians have the right of way when crossing roadway in Georgia.

Though the consequences for “jaywalking” are rather minor in legal aspects, pedestrians entering a street without looking both ways or disobeying crosswalk rules can suffer from critical injuries, cause a multi-vehicle and/or pedestrian crash and the worst consequence of all-death.

Therefore, it is important for all citizens to obey traffic rules whether behind the wheel or on two feet because it could save your life.

Although Monday’s driver left the scene and then returned to tell the owner what happened, charges are still pending. APD says they will update the public on both the victim and driver when new details surface.

Until then, be sure to remain vigilant whether driving or walking on roadways.