Gwinnett County is the fastest growing in metro Atlanta and currently is the second most populated county in the state with 877,222 residents.

With rapid growth in population, there's also more traffic and, unfortunately, more car wrecks.

Recent data, according to the Governor's Office of Highway Safety, shows that in 2014 there were 36,094 total crashes, with 11,081 injuries and 55 deaths. In 2015, according to stats provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 32 deaths.

From 2011 to 2015, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration discovered that 52 pedestrian deaths in Gwinnett County resulted from vehicle accidents.

NHTSA also reported that in 2015, pedestrian deaths saw a 10 percent increase. The number one cause for pedestrian fatalities?

Failure to yield right of way to pedestrians.

With that startling statistic in mind, here are some safety tips to remember when walking:

• Whenever possible, cross the street at a designated crosswalk or intersection.
• Increase your visibility at night by carrying a flashlight and wearing reflection clothing.
• It's safest to walk on a sidewalk, but if one is not available, walk on the shoulder and face traffic.
• Avoid distractions, such as electronic devices that take your attention off the road.

And for drivers, please pay attention at all times!

• Don't drive distracted.
• Slow down when approaching a crosswalk.
• And, always look both ways twice before crossing a roadway.

If you've been injured in a car accident Gwinnett County, fill out our free case evaluation.

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