Macon-Bibb receives grant to address pedestrian safety

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Macon Bibb County plans to use a grant to improve pedestrian safety and save lives. The Governor’s Office of Highway Safety awarded the Pedestrian Safety Review Board a $23,400 grant.

According to a GOHS news release, the goal is to reduce the number of pedestrian fatalities in the county by focusing on the role and responsibilities of pedestrians as they “move” from one location to another, with an emphasis on driver and passenger behaviors.

“Getting this grant will allow us to focus on specific areas with a blitz of information and resources,” says Charise Stephens with U Create Macon. “We have learned we must take the resources and information directly to the people where it is most needed. One accident prevention is worth all the efforts to make our streets safer.”

The Pedestrian Safety Review Board says it will buy armbands and marketing materials to hand out to people in areas where there are a high number of collisions. Board members will also target areas with dangerous roadways or intersections. They will also be able to provide training opportunities for pedestrian safety advocates.

The success of the program will be judged on the number of people reached, policies and plans implemented, and accident reductions.