PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION
Each year, in the United States, more than 6,000 pedestrians are killed and 100,000 injured in traffic crashes. In the State of Georgia, an average of 170 pedestrians are killed and 2,300 are injured annually. Fulton County, Georgia leads the state in the number of motor vehicle-related crashes involving pedestrians. The county produces 13 percent of all pedestrian fatalities statewide and 26 percent of all pedestrian injuries. Pedestrian deaths in the city of Atlanta (portions of Atlanta fall within the jurisdictional boundaries of Fulton County) account for 90 percent of all pedestrian-related deaths in Georgia. Of all traffic deaths in Fulton County, one in four is a pedestrian.

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The goal of the Fulton County Pedestrian Safety Project, as established by the Fulton County Health Department, was the reduction of pedestrian fatalities and injuries through the following objectives:

• Develop a base of knowledge about the nature and scope of the problem
• Identify successful interventions
• Develop implementation strategies

STRATEGIES AND ACTIVITIES
The Fulton County Health Department developed an action plan for the Pedestrian Safety Project, organized similarly to a public health approach. The approach involved three phases, to be performed over the three-year period:

Phase One—Surveillance: The first phase of this strategy is an ongoing process, intended to identify the problem and monitor the progress of any interventions. This phase featured a community needs assessment and the establishment of an injury and fatality database for Fulton County.

Phase Two—Research: The second phase of the program was intended to identify risk factors, and develop and evaluate proposed interventions designed to address pedestrian safety. This phase focused on developing goals and objectives for the project, as well as development of a marketing plan and a plan of action. During this phase, a multi-disciplinary task force was established to address the pedestrian safety issue in Fulton County, by providing recommendations for implementation of education, enforcement, and engineering solutions to the problem.

Phase Three—Intervention Programs: This final phase emphasized implementation strategies and measurements of effectiveness. During this phase, special public awareness campaigns and community interventions were targeted to at-risk populations. This phase will continue for the duration of the three-year project period.

RESULTS Based on results from the community's needs assessment implemented during phase one, risk factors were identified, a target population was defined, and intervention strategies were developed. The intervention strategies included: Development of a school-based pedestrian safety curriculum for elementary schools Establishment of a bicycle and pedestrian task force and partnerships with local organizations Implementation of a bicycle and pedestrian facilities plan by the Fulton County Department of Planning and Economic Development Development of a public awareness campaign which included participation in local health fairs and other community events Development of a marketing plan with a schedule of planned events Establishment of a clearinghouse of pedestrian safety materials Production of a quarterly newsletter

FUNDING   Section 402: $95,400 CONTACT     Immauri Patterson Pedestrian Coordinator Fulton County Health Department 99 Butler Street, SE. Atlanta, Georgia 30303 (404) 730–1377