ANALYSIS of

MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT DATA

Compared to statewide averages for motor vehicle collisions with cyclists and pedestrians, the counties making up the Middle Flint region are a relatively safe place to bike, walk, or jog.  According to accident data provided by the Georgia Department of Transportation, 21 motor vehicle accidents involving cyclists and two involving pedestrians occurred in the region during the years 2000 through 2002.  None of these incidents resulted in a fatality, although 83% resulted in injury.

 When this data was broken down by county and then averaged for the region, the Middle Flint area had a much lower annual per county occurrence of such accidents than per county averages considering the same data statewide.

 Average Annual Motor Vehicle Collisions Involving Cyclists and Pedestrians,

Per County for State and Middle Flint Region, 2000-2002

 This lower occurrence of accidents involving cyclists and pedestrians in the Middle Flint Region is likely related to the area’s smaller population base and consequent smaller number of motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians compared to urban regions included in statewide averages.  Notably, when the locations of Middle Flint accidents are mapped, almost all of these incidents occurred in urbanized areas of the region’s towns, particularly the larger cities of Americus and Cordele (see following map).  Thus, the data reflects that accidents are more likely to occur in the Middle Flint region where greater population density and resultant higher traffic volumes occur.

 Although complete accident data was not available for 2003, it is notable that three fatalities occurred in the Middle Flint region during that year after none were reported for the years 2000-2002.  A pedestrian was killed in each of Crisp, Marion, and Taylor counties.

 Assessment

 For the years 2000-2002, the number of motor vehicle accidents involving cyclists and pedestrians in the Middle Flint region was relatively low when compared to statewide data.  Almost all of the accidents reported occurred within the region’s towns or in their immediate proximity, and Americus and Cordele alone accounted for 17 of the 23 total accidents, or 74%.  However, when these accidents are plotted on a map, the only pattern that emerges is that urban areas are most susceptible to such incidents, and no specific areas, within any particular county or city, represented a specific area of concern.  Within Americus and Cordele, no particular area contained a concentration of accident sites.

 Thus, it may be inferred that the region’s communities, cyclists, and pedestrians would all benefit from improved facilities and safety-related signage throughout the region, as well as educational programs, particularly in urban areas.

 

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