The State of California ranks as the most dangerous state for pedestrians. Most people believe that the pedestrian always has the right of way, but that is not always true, and sometimes pedestrians’ negligent behavior leads to accidents. However, bringing awareness about the dangers that pedestrians face could help reduce the injuries and fatalities suffered.
Pedestrian Accident Statistics
California’s pedestrian fatality rate is nearly 30% higher than the national average and no state has more pedestrian deaths. Some statistics regarding pedestrian accidents in California are as follows:
- In 2016, 867 pedestrians were killed on the roadways in California, and over 14,000 were injured.
- Pedestrian deaths between 2012 and 2016 rose almost 33%.
- During the decade 2006-2016, almost 8,000 people died in pedestrian-related accidents on the roadways.
- California cities with the highest risk to pedestrians are: Bakersfield (where crosswalks were surprisingly completely removed so that cars are able to drive faster); Visalia-Porterville; Fresno; Yuba City; Madera; Riverside; San Bernardino; Ontario; Modesto; Redding; Stockton-Lodi, and El Centro.
Pedestrian Safety Tips
If you are a pedestrian in California on a regular basis, you may want to consider these safety tips for pedestrians that were offered by the California Office of Traffic Safety:
- Avoid distractions while walking.
- Always make yourself visible, especially at night when you should wear either reflective gear or carry a flashlight.
- Always look both ways before crossing a street.
- Avoid jaywalking.
- Follow all traffic signals and traffic laws.
- Do not distract drivers in any way.
- Stay off of your phone.
- If possible, before crossing the street, make eye contact with drivers that are stopped
- Cross streets only at marked intersections and/or crosswalks.
Driver Safety Tips
Drivers are responsible to watch for pedestrians in the roadways. Some of the following are important safety tips for drivers to avoid any pedestrian accidents:
- Never speed.
- Never talk on the phone or text while driving.
- Never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Always look for pedestrians, especially in bad weather or at night.
- Fully stop at all crosswalks to give pedestrians the right-of-way.
- Always give pedestrians the right-of-way at any crosswalk or intersection, even if they are not legally entitled to it.
- Take care when reversing your vehicle, as children and other pedestrians may be walking behind your car.
Pedestrian Injuries
Pedestrians are not surrounded by metal armor like a car is to protect them in case of an accident. Oftentimes, the injuries suffered by a pedestrian are catastrophic or deadly. Even low-speed pedestrian accidents can cause permanent injuries and disabilities. Some of the common injuries in a pedestrian accident could include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and concussions
- Spinal cord injuries
- Back injuries
- Neck and shoulder injuries
- Broken or fractured bones
- Internal organ damage or bleeding
- Amputations
- Disfigurement
- Paralysis
- Death
Lawyers with Real Trial Experience and Deep Understanding of Personal Injuries Related to Pedestrian Accidents
At The Bowling Law Firm, we focus on the long-term medical and financial needs facing our clients suffering from life-changing permanent injuries following a pedestrian accident. If you’ve been hit by a car as a pedestrian, contact the experienced pedestrian accident attorneys in Orange County with The Bowling Law Firm, A Professional Law Corporation, at 714-733-2492 or online today.