Pedestrian Accidents on the Rise in California: What You Need to Know?
In California, pedestrian accidents are on the rise. While this
uptick could be due to several factors, both drivers and pedestrians must be
aware of the dangers of sharing the road. This increase in accidents is also
reflected statewide – in 2015, there were 2,436 pedestrians killed or injured
in traffic collisions, according to the California Office of Traffic Safety.
A recent study by the Governors Highway Safety Association found that
pedestrian fatalities increased by 46 percent from 2007 to 2016. While this
alarming trend is being seen in states across the country, California has been
hit particularly hard. In 2016, California had the most pedestrian fatalities
of any state.
What is causing this sharp increase in
pedestrian accidents, and what can be done to reverse it?
There is no one answer to this question as
many factors contribute to pedestrian accidents. However, some potential causes
could include the following:
•
Increased population density in cities and suburbs
The number of pedestrian accidents has been
on the rise in California for the past five years. Some people may attribute
this to the increased population density in cities and suburbs. With more
people living closer together, there are more opportunities for pedestrians and
drivers to contact each other.
According to recently conducted research
conducted by the University of Southern California, there has been a 46% rise in accidents that include pedestrians in
only the last few years. In addition to this, there has been a 25 percent rise
in fatalities. Drivers are not always to blame for these accidents; pedestrians
also need to be aware of their surroundings and take precautions when walking.
•
More people walking and using public transportation due to high gas prices and
the recession
The researchers found that when gas prices rose above $4 per gallon, the number
of pedestrians killed or seriously injured in accidents increased by about 6%.
They also found that people were more likely to walk to their destinations when
gas prices were high, which led to an increase in accidents.
•
More distracted drivers and pedestrians due to the use of cell phones and other
electronic devices
The use of cell phones and other electronic
devices continues to increase, resulting in more distracted drivers and
pedestrians. Mobile phone conversations, texting, and electronic gadgets
distract drivers. Also distracting to pedestrians are mobile phone
conversations, texting, and electronic devices. Therefore, drivers and
pedestrians use of mobile phones, and other electronic gadgets is a significant
safety concern.
•
Poor urban planning that does not take into account pedestrians' safety
It is no secret that a well-planned city is
a safe city. However, poor urban planning leads to increased pedestrian
accidents in many cases. It happens when the layout of a city or neighborhood
does not consider pedestrians' safety. As a result, people are forced to walk
in areas not designed for pedestrian use, leading to dangerous situations.
One notable example of this is the city of
Los Angeles. The downtown area of LA is a prime example of poor urban planning.
For example, the sidewalks are very narrow, and few places for pedestrians to
cross the street.
What
to do after a Pedestrian Accident?
After a pedestrian accident, there are
several steps you should take to protect yourself and ensure you receive the
compensation you deserve.
●
Seek immediate medical
assistance for any injuries you may have incurred in the collision. It should
be your first and primary priority. You must get medical attention, even if you
do not believe that you have sustained any injuries.
●
After seeking medical
attention, it's essential to collect evidence from the accident scene. It
includes photos of the scene, contact information for any witnesses, and the
police report.
●
You need to make sure that you
keep track of all of the expenses associated with the accident, such as the
costs of medical care.
●
The next step is to contact a
seasoned Pedestrian Accident Lawyer.
You must make immediate contact with a
seasoned attorney if you have suffered injuries from a pedestrian accident as
soon as feasible. They will be able to assist you in submitting a claim and
obtaining the money that is rightfully yours.
To learn more about our services, please visit our website at San Gabriel Workers' Compensation and Personal Injury or call us at 626-602-9483.
https://injuredworkerattorneysangabrielvalley.com/
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