Macon-Bibb Pedestrian Fatality Review Board hires consultant

It starts with a vision. Atlanta attorney Bob Dallas claims to have it.

“Mr. Dallas is a respected expert in the field with years of service. Comes highly recommended from both governmental and non-governmental entities,” said Macon-Bibb Pedestrian Fatality Review Board Member Dr. Chris Tsavatewa.

Dallas told the board he has an idea to reduce the number of fatalities in the county.

“Vision Zero is a concept that basically builds off of what we already have, which is ‘Towards Zero Deaths.’ Right now, we look at engineering, education, enforcement and EMS as the underpinnings of how we deal with highway safety in the state of Georgia,” explained Dallas.

Vision Zero adds in two more factors: evaluation and equity.”It’s really focused on the idea that we, as humans, when we utilize the system, will probably make mistakes. None of us is perfect, but the consequences of those mistakes should not be serious injury or death on our roadways,” said Dallas.

The board named Dallas its new consultant Tuesday.

“To generate timely action as well as how to move them through the process for implementation,” said Dr. Tsavatewa explaining Dallas’ new role.

Dallas hopes to take the plans different organizations have and align them toward one goal: zero pedestrian fatalities in Macon-Bibb.

“There are your transportation plans, there are your land use and zoning plans. There are things related to public health. There’s your public safety plans. Not only is it within the county, it’s also within the state,” explained Dallas.

Both Dallas and Tsavatewa are confident the Vision Zero plan will work in Macon-Bibb.

Dallas’ services cost about $80 an hour. The Macon-Bibb Board of Health is covering this expense.