The Road to Pedestrian Safety: Minimizing Pedestrian Accidents in Southern California
Across the country, local governments are encouraging people to walk more. It’s better for the environment, it’s a natural way to get exercise, and it supports local businesses. But the fact is that pedestrians face significant risks when they hit the road. They are more likely to be hit by careless drivers, and when they are involved in collisions, they are more likely to be severely or fatally injured. That’s why it’s so important to be aware of your surroundings and know what you should do after a pedestrian accident. The personal injury law firm Pisegna & Zimmerman can help you fight for full and fair compensation after a Southern California crash. Call us at 818-888-8888 to get started. We meet over Zoom and handle documents remotely with DocuSign, so you don’t have to worry about figuring out transportation to our office.
The Office of Traffic Safety reports that the issue of pedestrian accidents is getting worse in California each year. In a period of just four years, pedestrian deaths jumped 26% in California, and in 2018, more than 14,000 pedestrians suffered injuries in collisions. If you or a loved one has been affected, seeking a personal injury lawyer in California can help you pursue justice and compensation. Statewide, the fatality rate is almost 25% above the national average. For those facing the aftermath of such accidents, consulting with a reputable California personal injury law firm can provide the necessary support and expertise. Pedestrians deserve to be safe in California, but they’re not—so what comes next? In these challenging times, a personal injury attorney can guide you through the legal process and fight for your rights.
Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
A number of factors contribute to pedestrian collisions throughout Southern California. They include:
- Distracted driving and walking: Both drivers and pedestrians should be focused on the road while outdoors, but it’s all too easy to get caught up in your phone, a snack, or a conversation with a friend. Distracted drivers and walkers are at greater risk of being involved in a crash.
- Limited visibility: Limited visibility may be the result of poor weather, walking after dark, heavy traffic, or poor road design. When drivers struggle even to see and identify pedestrians, they are much more likely to hit them.
- Impairment: Impaired drivers and pedestrians are at significant risk of collision. Drunk drivers are less likely to spot pedestrians on their route, be able to stop in time, or even have the decision-making skills needed to attempt to stop. Impaired pedestrians may unintentionally walk in the walkway or take other risks.
- Failure to yield: This is a serious issue at intersections throughout Southern California. Pedestrians almost always have the right of way.
- Poor infrastructure: This is less of an issue in Southern California than in other parts of the country, but it is still a factor. Road design, signage, and traffic lights that do not put pedestrian safety first put pedestrians in unnecessary danger.
The Rights and Obligations of Drivers and Pedestrians
While both sides have rights and obligations, drivers have far more obligations than pedestrians, as they are capable of causing the most damage. Pedestrians are expected to use crosswalks in lieu of crossing wherever they please, and they are required to follow walk and don’t walk signs. They should also avoid unnecessary distractions and give their full attention to their surroundings. Drivers should follow the speed limits, yield right of way, and exercise extreme caution in poor weather conditions and after dark.
Strategies to Decrease Accident Rates
Change needs to happen at the societal level and on an individual level to bring down accident rates in Southern California. Individually, drivers need to be more cognizant of the power they hold when behind the wheel. One moment of distracted driving or failing to yield could mean the difference between life and death for an innocent pedestrian, and drivers who are unwilling to take that responsibility seriously should not be driving at all. Pedestrians should also take their safety into their own hands, not assume that drivers will yield to them, and try to stay visible in poor lighting and weather conditions.
On a societal level, improving infrastructure may lead to better outcomes for everyone involved. Clearer intersection markings, walk and don’t walk lights, and wide sidewalks that leave plenty of room for pedestrians may decrease accident rates.
Start Your Claim With Personal Accident Attorneys at Pisegna & Zimmerman
If you’re ready to start your personal injury claim after a crash, it’s time to meet with the team of California personal injury lawyers at Pisegna & Zimmerman. Call us at 818-888-8888 or get in touch online to set up a consultation. We can meet over Zoom and manage your documents with DocuSign to save you time and energy.
William Zimmerman is an experienced Los Angeles work injury attorney at Pisegna & Zimmerman. He offers invaluable advice and assistance when dealing with the often complicated workers’ compensation system. As part of Pisgena & Zimmerman, he and his team are a full-service law firm that is dedicated to obtaining the maximum amount of compensation from all available sources.