Pedestrian Traffic Fatalities in California
GHSA Governers’ Highway Safety Association reports increase in Pedestrian Traffic Fatalities in California
Pedestrian traffic fatalities in the US have increased by 19% in the last 5 years studies ending in 2014. California has 347 pedestrian traffic fatalities in the first 6 months of 2015 which is twenty four more then the prior year, an increase of 7%. Accidents involving pedestrians occur at a higher rate in the evening hours after sunset, between 6:00PM and 12:00PM, with seventy two percent of accidents happening after dark. Additionally Alcohol is found to be above the legal limits in about 34% of pedestrians struck by vehicles. And 74% of the pedestrian accidents occur at non intersections, this number is even higher for the elderly.
Report Mirrors Pedestrian Traffic Fatalities being seen in Riverside County
In 2015 and already in 2016 my office has seen an increase in Pedestrian Accidents. Most of which have occurred when my clients have been crossing a street at a non marked intersection. Additionally both age and alcohol tend to be a contributing factor to some accidents. More importantly is that drivers appear to be distracted and not paying attention. I have had clients struck by cars in Murrieta, Temecula, and Palm Springs already this year. It is very important that when crossing a street do not assume that the cars are going to see you and stop. If they are not paying attention they will not slow down and stop.
Pedestrian Traffic Fatalities Attorney Kevin Cortright
Steps You Can Take To Reduce Pedestrian Traffic Fatalities
While Walking
- Cross in a Cross Walk Whenever Possible
- Look both Ways for approaching Vehicles
- Do Not Enter the street till vehicles can be seen to be slowing down and stopping
- Where Bright Clothes at Night
- Review the CDC website Walk this Way!
While Driving
- Slow Down
- Watch for Pedestrians
- Avoid Distractions
- Stay off the Phone
- No Texting and Driving