Why Project P.A.U.S.E. is launching in Macon amid pedestrian deaths

State and local officials point to pedestrian deaths and high-traffic corridors during a news conference.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The Governor’s Office of Highway Safety has awarded a $211,425.74 Pedestrian Safety Grant to the Macon Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office to launch Project P.A.U.S.E., aimed at reducing pedestrian injuries and deaths.

The grant will fund Project P.A.U.S.E., which stands for Pedestrian Awareness and Understanding Safety Education. Deputy Director of the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety Maurice Raines says the funding will support a pedestrian safety initiative designed to reduce preventable injuries and fatalities caused by traffic crashes.

“In the state of Georgia, we’ve had over 225 people lose their lives while walking down the road,” he said. “In this community alone, there have been 11 this year.”

Investigator Jerome Sinclair with the DA’s Office says students in kindergarten through 12th grade walk daily near high-traffic areas such as Gray Highway, Eisenhower Parkway and the Interstate 16 and 75 interchange, raising safety concerns.

“Children often lack the developmental ability to judge traffic risk, and older adults may face physical or cognitive challenges that increase crash risk as well,” he said. “That is why early education and outreach are critical. Because we need to invest in our children, they are our future, and it is never too early to start developing leaders.”

Project P.A.U.S.E. will also equip youth and families with instinctive, life-saving pedestrian habits.