CHATHAM COUNTY, Ga. () — In the past month, there have been two pedestrian accidents back-to-back at the same intersection on Ogeechee Road.
The first incident occurred on Aug. 31 around 11:00 p.m. right after the Ogeechee Road and Gamble Road junction, where a man was declared dead at the scene. A vehicle struck him as he walked in an area not designated for crossing, as reported by the Georgia State Patrol (GSP).
The second event took place on Sept. 13 at the same time and just feet away from the site of the August accident. The report identified it as a hit and run incident. The pedestrian was also crossing outside of a designated area and was transported to the hospital with severe injuries.
Marsha Scott witnessed the Sept. 13 incident, according to the police report.
“It seemed like he was run over. I initially thought it was an animal, but it was a person,” Scott mentioned. “He was badly hurt, but I hope he recovers quickly.”
Scott characterized that stretch of Ogeechee Road as poorly lit and noted that pedestrians tend to avoid using the crosswalk. Scott hopes attitudes will change following these two incidents.
While most of Ogeechee Road is under the jurisdiction of the Chatham County Police Department (CCPD), a Savannah Police Department (SPD) officer was available to emphasize the importance of crosswalk usage.
“From my experience working in the traffic unit, we’ve attended to numerous pedestrian accidents involving individuals not using crosswalks,” Cpl. Rahim Frazier stated. “You’re more visible when you use a crosswalk. It’s crucial to remain in well-lit areas too.”
Cpl. Frazier wants bikers to also be aware of laws pertaining to them.
“If there’s a bicycle lane, you should use the bicycle lane. If there’s not, go with the flow of traffic and obey all traffic signals,” Frazier said.
Frazier also urges drivers to be aware while behind the wheel.
“Don’t be distracted on your cell phone or anything like that and just pay attention. If you come up to a traffic signal, most likely there’s a crosswalk there potentially with pedestrians waiting to cross the roadway. Just pay attention to pedestrians and make sure you obey all traffic signals,” Cpl. Frazier said.
