Transportation (Pedestrian Safety)

A RESOLUTION urging pedestrians in Georgia to wear bright or reflective clothing at night to improve their visibility to drivers resulting in a reduction of pedestrian deaths across this state; and for other purposes.

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Title 40 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to motor vehicles and traffic, so as to revise and provide for definitions; to provide for the safe operation of a motorcycle or bicycle through an inoperative traffic-control signal; to require drivers of motor vehicles to stop at crosswalks with pedestrian activated rectangular rapid flash beacons; to make it unlawful to activate such devices when there is no intent to cross a roadway; to remove provisions regarding height of handlebars for motorcycles; to provide for a short title; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

This resolution creates a Senate Study Committee focused on improving safety for pedestrians and cyclists in Georgia. It addresses rising pedestrian and cyclist fatalities (with Georgia ranked 6th most dangerous state for pedestrians in 2022), current laws that often treat pedestrian strikes as minor offenses, and gaps in enforcement and reporting. The committee will study these issues and recommend legislative changes to strengthen penalties, improve enforcement, and prioritize safety infrastructure. The committee, composed of five Senate members appointed by the President, must submit findings by December 2025. This is a procedural step to research solutions, not a law that changes policy directly.