Lethal surge: 7 pedestrian fatalities in Cobb County immediate pressing security measures

COBB COUNTY, Ga. – After Cobb County has seen seven deadly pedestrian crashes on its roads within the final month, Cobb County transportation leaders say they’re working with police to handle the security points.

Seven pedestrians have been killed on Cobb County roads within the final 30 days.

It’s a lethal surge for the county proper on the finish of the yr.

In a press release to FOX 5, the Cobb County Division of Transportation says it’s collaborating with native regulation enforcement.

“By specializing in each enforcement and infrastructure, we’re making strides towards lowering pedestrian accidents,” the assertion reads.

“It is heartbreaking. It is not shocking that folks hold dropping their lives in these situations,” mentioned Samuel Foster, one of many leaders of A Higher Cobb.

That group advocates for higher pedestrian security amongst different points. 

Foster attributes the excessive loss of life toll to street design and a rising inhabitants. 

He pointed this out to FOX 5 at a degree on South Cobb Drive the place a pedestrian was killed about two months in the past. 

“The street is vast; it is straight. And that encourages anyone to go quicker and quicker, it’s sort of like a mini-interstate,” he mentioned. 

A “mini interstate” with no crosswalks for giant stretches. 

“Would I moderately stroll quarter-hour right down to the intersection [crosswalk] after which quarter-hour again, or would I moderately cross the road in 2 minutes?” Foster mentioned.

Whereas FOX 5 was assembly with him on South Cobb Drive, the crew noticed many pedestrians doing precisely that.

Within the county’s assertion, J.D. Lorens, deputy director of the Cobb County Division of Transportation, mentioned they goal to handle street design issues of their collaboration with regulation enforcement. “By addressing street design challenges and bettering infrastructure, we goal to create safer, extra accessible environments for all street customers,” he mentioned.

Not all the current crashes occurred on the broader, busier roads like South Cobb Drive or Austell Highway.

Cobb DOT says that’s why it’s trying on the crash websites on a case-by-case foundation. 

“As a part of the collaboration, the Cobb DOT conducts website visits with native regulation enforcement officers to evaluate pedestrian crossings, lighting circumstances, signage, and different important security options,” the assertion reads.

The County says it additionally welcomes suggestions from the general public on the place and the way it can enhance pedestrian security. 

You are able to do that by going to cobbcounty.org/transportation or by calling them at 770-528-1600 or emailing them at cobbdot@cobbcounty.org.