Pedestrian deaths rising, Dougherty County coroner sending message of safety

Coroner Michael Fowler is sending out safety tips for both drivers and pedestrians

ALBANY, Ga. – We are 4 months in to 2022 and the Good Life City along with the Dougherty County coroner’s office is seeing a distributing uptick in fatal pedestrian accidents.

So far this year there have been 10 motor vehicle accidents with 4 of those involving pedestrians.

Coroner Michael Fowler tells me that number usually comes out of a year alone.

“We’re on a roll this year for motor vehicle accidents. We have more than homicides. It’s on the rise for some reason.” said Fowler.

Fowler points to the most recent fatal pedestrian accident which occurred Sunday night on East Oglethorpe Boulevard, killing 80-year-old Verdell Jones. Fowler says pedestrian safety goes beyond a single person.

“So we ask you, the drivers to be watchful too. But we ask the pedestrians to wait until the light change and then walk across the walkway. Be very mindful for the cars that are coming.” said Fowler.

Fowler strongly recommends using crosswalks. Especially in highly trafficked areas such as Oglethorpe, where most of the fatal pedestrian collisions have happened.

“…walking across the street or in the middle of the street is dangerous. Especially if you have on dark colored clothes; especially late in the evening time people are trying to get home…” said Fowler.

Fortunately none of the pedestrian accidents have involved children is far; which Fowler calls a blessing citing this advice.

“…wear some colorful clothing because dark clothing is one of the biggest issues that we have that people are being struck by vehicle because they had dark clothes on and the driver did not see them.” said Fowler.

Fowler adds that bus drivers should be mindful where they drop children off, and watch them cross the street completely. He also says parents should also be watching kids as they are getting off of the bus.