Welcome to the Brookhaven Community Pulse. Your weekly guide to staying informed, safe and connected with our community.

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This week, we are bringing you a special edition of the Brookhaven Police Department newsletter, because something important is happening in our city. We have seen an increase in accidents involving pedestrians, and we cannot ignore it. These incidents affect families, neighborhoods, and the people we care about, and they remind us how quickly a normal day can change.

This issue is fully dedicated to pedestrian safety. Our goal is simple. We want every person who lives in, works in, or visits Brookhaven to know how to stay safe on our streets. Safety is not just a police priority. It is a community effort. When drivers slow down, when walkers stay alert, and when everyone follows the rules, lives are protected.

Inside this edition, you will find practical tips, reminders, and resources for pedestrians, drivers, and families. Whether you are walking to work, crossing near a school, or driving through busy corridors, the information in this newsletter can help prevent the next accident.

Brookhaven is at its best when we look out for one another. Thank you for taking the time to read, learn, and share this important message.

– Brookhaven Police Department

This past week, the Brookhaven community was reminded of how quickly a routine day can turn tragic. A pedestrian lost their life in a fatal crash on Clairmont Road, and while an arrest has been made the tragedy still lingers. Incidents like this shake entire neighborhoods, and they highlight something our patrol officers see every single day. Pedestrian safety is not just an issue. It is an urgent reality that affects every person who uses our roads, whether walking or driving.

From early morning runners to families crossing busy intersections to workers heading home after a long shift, pedestrians are some of the most vulnerable people on our streets. National safety data shows that most fatal pedestrian crashes happen in the dark and often away from intersections where there are no signals or marked crosswalks. These conditions make it harder for drivers to see people crossing and give pedestrians very little room for error. This increase in risk is reflected in the national trends found in the Pedestrian Safety Community Resource Guide, which notes that more than three quarters of pedestrian fatalities occur at night and nearly three quarters happen outside of intersections (page 6) .

Our patrol officers respond to these incidents, investigate the scenes, speak with families, and often arrive before anyone else. They see the impact up close. They also see how quickly a driver’s distraction, a pedestrian’s hesitation, or a few extra miles per hour can change everything.

Their message to the community is simple. Slow down. Stay alert. Expect pedestrians at any time of day. And remember that every intersection, every crosswalk, and every stretch of sidewalk is shared space. The more we treat our roads like we are responsible for each other, the safer Brookhaven becomes.

This special edition focuses entirely on pedestrian safety because we want to prevent the next tragedy before it happens. Your attention and actions matter. Thank you for taking this issue seriously and for helping us protect the people who walk, run, and roll through our city every day.

This week, our partner spotlight is not on a business or organization. It is on you, Brookhaven.

We can create guides, send newsletters, post on our app, and share on social media, but we know not everyone sees it. Not everyone reads every email. Not everyone follows every channel. That is where you come in.

If you are reading this, you are already one step closer to making our streets safer. Now we are asking you to take one more step. Share what you learn about pedestrian safety with at least three people. Talk to your family. Talk to your coworkers. Talk to your neighbors. A simple conversation can change a habit, and a changed habit can save a life.

We need your help, Brookhaven, and it starts with all of us committing to pay attention and speak up.

If you are interested in going even further and joining our city wide pedestrian safety campaign, reach out to Sgt. Moore at [email protected] . Whether you are a resident, business owner, school leader, or community member, there is a place for you in this work.

We are only better together, and together we can make Brookhaven safer for everyone who walks, and crosses our streets.

This week, our Community Hero is not just one person. It is every teacher, lawyer, fitness trainer, business manager, coach, neighbor, and friend who decides to learn pedestrian safety and teach it to someone else.

These are the people who turn information into action. They take what they learn and pass it on to their classrooms, clients, coworkers, and families. They start conversations that might feel small in the moment but can save a life later on.

And in Georgia, the need for these everyday heroes is real. According to the Pedestrian Safety Community Resource Guide, Georgia consistently ranks among the top states for pedestrian fatalities, and the Atlanta region accounts for a major share of those numbers. The guide highlights that pedestrian deaths in Georgia have been rising over the last decade and remain a major public safety issue (page 18) . That means the message you share today could be the reminder someone needs tomorrow.

So here are a few educational tips our pedestrian safety heroes can pass along:

1. Use the crosswalk every time.
It might add a few extra steps, but those steps are worth it. Most fatal pedestrian crashes happen outside marked crossings. A crosswalk gives you predictability. Drivers know where to look for you.

2. Make eye contact with drivers before you cross.
Do not assume anyone sees you. A simple head nod or wave lets you know you have their attention.

3. Stay alert while walking.
Look up from your phone, remove headphones near intersections, and keep your focus on what vehicles around you are doing.

4. Be extra careful at night.
Most fatal pedestrian crashes happen after dark. Wear brighter clothing, reflective accessories, or carry a light when possible.

5. Slow down if you are driving.
Lower speeds give drivers more time to react and give pedestrians more room to survive a mistake.

Everyday heroes protect people not by titles, but by what they share. To everyone in Brookhaven who teaches pedestrian safety to one more person, thank you. You are part of the reason a family gets to go home safely.

The holidays are here, and we are getting ready for one of our favorite traditions in Brookhaven, Shop With a Badge. This event gives children in our community a chance to shop with officers, choose gifts, and experience a morning filled with joy and connection.

If you would like to help make this day even more special, we welcome donations that support the children who will be participating this year. Every contribution, big or small, helps us give a child a brighter holiday season.

If donating is something you would like to do, please reach out to [email protected]. We are grateful for every person who chooses to be a part of this effort.

Together, we can bring smiles to families who need it most.

Students move around Brookhaven every day. You walk to school, to sports, to work, to friends' houses, and through busy areas where cars, bikes, and people all share the same space. Staying safe starts with a few smart habits.

Put the phone down when you cross.
Even a quick glance can pull your focus away at the wrong moment. Look up, look around, and stay aware of what cars are doing.

Make eye contact with drivers.
Never assume they see you. A simple nod or wave lets you know they are paying attention.

Use the crosswalk and wait for the signal.
Crossing in predictable places helps drivers know where to expect you. Give yourself the safest option every time.

Choose brighter clothing when walking before or after school.
Backpacks, hoodies, or reflective clips can help drivers see you from a distance.

Walk with your head up and your mind on your surroundings.
If you hear tires, horns, or engines, pay attention. Staying alert helps you react faster.

Walking is part of everyday student life, and these simple habits protect you more than you may realize. Stay focused, stay visible, and get where you are going safely. Brookhaven is better when you arrive home.

If you are interested in volunteering or would like Brookhaven Police to join one of your events or engagements, please feel free to contact us at [email protected]

Time: 6:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Location: Target, 2400 N. Druid Hills Road, Brookhaven

It’s that time of year again, one of our favorite traditions at the Brookhaven Police Department!

Join us for Shop with a Badge as officers, firefighters, and first responders team up with local kids for a morning filled with smiles, laughter, and holiday spirit. Each child is paired with an officer for a special shopping experience at Target — choosing gifts, essentials, and spreading cheer throughout the aisles.

This event isn’t just about shopping, it’s about connection, compassion, and community. It’s an opportunity for our officers to give back and for local children to experience the holidays with hope and joy.

💛 Want to Help?
You can sponsor a child or make a donation to support this event. Every contribution helps bring a little more light to a family’s holiday season.
To get involved, email [email protected] or scan the QR code on the flyer.

Date: Sunday, December 21
Time: 1 to 4 p.m.
Location: Briarwood Recreation Center | 2235 Briarwood Road, Brookhaven, GA 30329

What to Expect:
• Toys for children of all ages
• Music and entertainment
• Family friendly activities
• Refreshments and holiday fun

Registration:
Registration opens November 21. Families must complete the registration form to receive toys. Scan the QR code on the flyer to sign up. Space is limited, so register early.

How You Can Help:
Donations, volunteers, and community partnerships are welcome. If you would like to support this event, email [email protected].

Come join us as we celebrate the season and make a difference for families right here in Brookhaven.

Download our Brookhaven Police App to stay in the know while you are on the go.

Every 72 minutes, a pedestrian loses their life on U.S. roadstrafficsafetymarketing.gov. That’s nearly one person every hour – a parent, child, friend, or neighbor who doesn’t make it home. In 2023 alone, 7,314 pedestrians were killed nationwide and another 68,244 were injuredtrafficsafetymarketing.gov. In Georgia, 294 people were struck and killed while walking last yearnews.monroelocal.org. These aren’t just statistics – they represent real lives cut short. We refuse to accept this as “just the way it is.” Pedestrian crashes are preventable, and you have the power to help change this deadly trend starting right now.

Pedestrian safety isn’t someone else’s problem, it’s everyone’s responsibility, and that includes you. Every time you walk across a street or drive through our city, you play a role in preventing the next injury or death. Empower yourself and others by practicing these habits and sharing them with your family, friends, and neighbors. Remind your kids about looking left-right-left. Urge your coworkers to put down the phone and pay attention. If you’re behind the wheel, be the driver who always yields to people in crosswalks; nearly 1 in 4 pedestrian deaths involve a driver who failed to yieldnews.monroelocal.org.

We all have a part in building a safer community. The Brookhaven Police Department is counting on each of you to lead by example. Let’s join national efforts like NHTSA’s “Everyone is a Pedestrian” campaignnhtsa.gov and Georgia’s See & Be Seen programnews.monroelocal.org by making pedestrian safety a daily priority. Imagine a Brookhaven where every walk is safe, where drivers and pedestrians look out for one another, and not one more life is lost on our streets. That vision starts with each of us, today.

Your next step is simple: take this message to heart and put it into action. Cross at that crosswalk. Wear that reflective band. Pause the music and stay alert. Speak up when you see a friend about to jaywalk or a driver speeding through a crosswalk. Small actions, repeated by all of us, create a culture of safety.

Walk smart. Drive alert. Look out for each other. By doing so, you’re not just protecting yourself – you’re looking after your neighbors and helping us all arrive alive. Let’s make pedestrian safety non-negotiable in Brookhaven. The clock is ticking, but together, we can save lives with every step we taketrafficsafetymarketing.gov.

Every step we take is a choice, to pay attention, to protect one another, to slow down when it’s easier to rush.

This season is full of noise. But behind every crosswalk is someone’s story. A child walking to school. A parent carrying groceries. A neighbor heading home.

Pedestrian safety isn’t just policy, it’s people. And it starts with the simple decision to see others. To respect the space we share. To drive like every pedestrian is family. To walk like every car matters.

Brookhaven, let’s show up differently. Let’s move through our streets with purpose, not just speed. Your awareness could save a life.

Because safety isn’t seasonal, it’s a way of living.

Have a Question? We’ve Got Answers!
This section answers questions submitted by our community. Here’s one we received recently:

Q: Is it legal to cross the street mid block if there is no crosswalk nearby?

A: In Georgia, you are allowed to cross mid block only if there is no crosswalk at either end of the street. But here is the part many people do not realize. When you cross outside of a crosswalk, drivers are not required to stop for you. You must wait until the road is completely clear before stepping out. Most serious pedestrian injuries happen when someone crosses between intersections where drivers are not expecting to see a person.

If there is a crosswalk anywhere nearby, always take the extra steps to use it. It gives you the safest chance to be seen, and it gives drivers a clear cue to stop.

Cross smart. Cross where cars can predict you. A few extra steps can save a life.

Got a question? Submit it here, and we might feature it in the next issue!