SAFETY: Ga. traffic deaths decline for eighth straight year

The number of traffic deaths in Georgia continued its downward trend of the last eight years in 2013, with 1,186 reported fatalities, according to a new report from the Georgia Department of Transportation and the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety (GOHS). Traffic deaths have dropped by 562 from the previous high-water mark of 1,748 in 2005.

Both agencies have been working to introduce new traffic-management measures to help reduce the number of fatalities across the state. These have included roundabouts, center median cable barriers, rumble strips, more reflective signage and striping and traffic signal synchronization.

On the other hand, pedestrian and bicyclist deaths both increased in 2013, by 11 and 7, respectively. GOHS and Georgia DOT implemented a complete streets program in 2013 to help reduce these numbers.

National traffic fatality totals for 2013 have not yet been finalized.