Bibb County Chief Coroner Leon Jones counts the number of pedestrian fatalities in the county so far.
“It would be 13 because Mr. Kirtz was hit on Thursday night on Mercer University Drive near Popeye's chicken,” Jones said.
Jones says jaywalking is a major factor in many of the pedestrian fatalities, but people often tell him it’s because of the lack of crosswalks in some parts of Macon.
Many people can be seen walking across busy roads like Gray Highway, where jaywalking becomes tempting since the next crosswalk is far away.
"I've seen people all the time on Gray Highway, one of the busiest roads in Macon-Bibb, standing in the turning lane with a baby and a stroller,” Jones said.
Tonya Lawton was out walking in downtown, and she says there’s many places in Macon where jaywalking may be the only option.
"I don’t prefer it, but there’s places that you have to do it, because there’re no crosswalks. If you made more crosswalks then it would be better,” Lawton said.
Evelyn Adams says there’s some danger, even at crosswalks.
"I’ve tried very much to watch for my signal to go, but cars don’t always watch, and when I have the right of way, a lot of times they’re cutting right in front of me,” Adams said.
Jones has tips for pedestrians to use to stay safe before crossing.
"Crosswalks, that’s number one. Well-lighted area, number two, careful wearing dark clothing in unlighted areas, that’s three,” Jones said.
And always be sure to look both ways before crossing.