Keys to Avoiding Becoming a Pedestrian Fatality
Pedestrian traffic deaths are rising nationwide. According to a new report by the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), pedestrian deaths have been rising steadily since 2006 and in 2016, more than 6,000 pedestrians lost their lives in traffic accidents in the country, the highest number of fatalities recorded for the last quarter century. Los Angeles pedestrian fatalities can be devastating to anyone involved. If you are involved in a Los Angeles pedestrian accident, you may want a Los Angeles pedestrian fatality attorney to help you navigate the post accident process.
Defying the national trend, pedestrian fatalities in California decreased. However, for as long as fatalities are not zero, there’s work to be done. A large number of pedestrians lose their lives because of drivers’ negligence or carelessness. These accidents are caused by drivers who know better, but act recklessly. That’s wrong and unacceptable. If you lost a loved one in a pedestrian traffic accident, consult a California pedestrian accident attorney to see what your options are as a survivor.
Pedestrian Fatalities Rise Nationwide
According to the GHSA report, 6,000 pedestrians died in traffic accidents in 2016, making it the deadliest year for pedestrians in 25 years. In 2015, 5,376 pedestrians died in traffic accidents while in 2014, 4,910 pedestrians died. The 15 percent spike in pedestrian deaths from 2015 to 2016 was the highest increase in 40 years.
A majority (80 percent) of pedestrian deaths in 2015 occurred away from intersections, either in travel lanes or outside travel lanes. About 20 percent happened on intersections.
Nighttime was the most dangerous time for pedestrians with more than 74 percent of fatalities happening at night, especially between 6pm and midnight. Only 23 percent happened in daylight.
Focus on Los Angeles Pedestrian Fatalities in California
In contrast to national trends, pedestrian deaths in California decreased in 2016. That year, 359 pedestrians died in pedestrian traffic accidents, 11.4 percent lower than the 405 pedestrian deaths recorded in 2015.
Despite the decrease, California still ranked among states with the highest number of pedestrian fatalities. It was 13th in per capita pedestrian deaths (pedestrian deaths per 100,000 of the population). It was also among five states with more than 100 pedestrian deaths, together with Florida, Georgia, Texas, and New York. Four states (California, Florida, Texas and New York) accounted for 42 percent of all pedestrian deaths.
Keys to Avoiding Becoming a Pedestrian Fatality
There are a couple of ways pedestrians can avoid involvement in pedestrian accidents.
When walking along the street:
- Use the sidewalk. If there’s none, walk on the shoulder facing traffic
- Do not walk while using an electronic device such as a mobile phone or with earphones in your ear. It is important to stay alert while walking. Distracted walking is one of the leading contributors to pedestrian accidents.
- Walk in groups
- Wear reflective clothing or carry a light when walking at night
When crossing the road:
- Only cross the road at intersections and marked crosswalks, never in the middle of the road or between cars
- Before crossing, look left, right and then left again to ensure there’s no oncoming traffic. If you can’t see the road clearly, move to a place where the whole road is visible.
- Never dash across the road. Do not assume a driver is moving slowly enough to break for you.
- Make eye contact with the driver before crossing. This way, you know you are visible and are not in a blind spot.
- Children and the elderly should always cross the road with an adult
Pedestrian traffic accidents are costly and at worst fatal. This should not be the case. No pedestrian should ever lose his life because of errant drivers. If you lost a loved one in a pedestrian accident, contact the experienced Los Angeles pedestrian fatality attorneys at Deldar Legal today to discuss your legal options.
Posted in: Pedestrian Accidents