Macon resident unhappy with Pedestrian Fatality Review Board’s direction

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – One Macon resident isn’t happy with the direction the county’s Pedestrian Fatality Review Board is going. Committee members are focusing on education because they said it’s the easiest way to make an impact right now, but some believe infrastructure should be the top priority.

“If this committee is designed around trying to avoid pedestrian fatalities, why would there only be efforts designed to educate the pedestrians,” asked Dave Oedel.

One of the many questions he asked the board at it’s meeting Tuesday.

“Why is this committee focused on educating the pedestrian instead of talking about road design,” asked Oedel.

Oedel said this gives the impression victims need to avoid being victims.

“You’re asking the people that are about to get killed to avoid getting killed,” explained Oedel.

He wants the committee to focus on other issues, like infrastructure. He suggested shutting down high traffic roads to one or two lanes to cut down on the number of pedestrian deaths. He offered Bloomfield, Pio Nono Avenue and Mercer University Drive as examples.

“I don’t disagree with Mr. Oedel at all on the infrastructure issues. I think most of the roads are too wide,” said the board’s Vice Chairman Michael Ryan. Ryan also thinks educating children will help in the long run.

The board chairman, Captain Eric Walker from the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office, told Oedel most of the roads he suggested are State routes. Walker said education is the one thing the committee can do right now that will have impact.

“Trying to get the speed limit reduced or trying to get four lanes down to two lanes, that could take committees, time, six months to years down the road before something like that is accomplished,” said Captain Walker.

Captain Walker asked the Bibb Sheriff’s Outreach Section to add Halloween pedestrian safety to its C.H.A.M.P.S. program in schools. With Halloween around the corner, deputies want to teach kids how to stay visible at night.

“Wear bright clothing. Make sure they can see. A lot of kids like to wear masks to cover their faces, but they still need to be able to see where they’re going,” explained Captain Walker.

Captain Walker is also talking with the Board of Health and the Board of Education to further in-school pedestrian safety education. The Pedestrian Fatality Review Board’s next meeting is November 17 at 10:00 a.m.