The sad truth is that pedestrian accidents are on the rise throughout California. Pedestrian accidents are particularly dangerous because victims have no protection from cars. Keep reading to find out about six of the most common causes of these types of accidents. Then contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 to request a free legal consultation if you have been the victim of a pedestrian accident.
- The Pedestrian Was Not Visible
- Drug or Alcohol Use Was Involved
- Distractions
- The Layout of the Road
- Quiet Cars
- The Pedestrian Acted Negligently
Many pedestrian and car accidents happen between dusk and dawn, when it is less likely that the pedestrian will be readily visible. Besides the dark, other factors often affect visibility, such as fog, smog, and rain. If a pedestrian must be out during low visibility, they should wear reflective equipment.
When a driver is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, their ability to judge speed, depth, and distance are all reduced. According to data from the Highway Loss Data Institute, about 13% of pedestrian accidents involved drunk drivers.
It is more and more common for drivers and pedestrians alike to be distracted by technology. This can be their cell phone, a radio, or another type of electronic device. They may be texting, calling someone, or even on the internet when they should be keeping their eyes on the road. All too often this leads to an accident.
There are some areas of the road at which accidents are simply more likely to happen. This includes making left-hand turns. Arterial roads also have higher instances of accidents due to the fact that buses and other vehicles frequently stop.
As cars get more energy efficient they get quieter too. Hybrid cars or electric cars are both very quiet – in some cases silent. For this reason, some law makers are calling for noise to be added to these cars so that pedestrians can hear them. This is especially important at curves in the road when there is minimal visibility for both cars and pedestrians.
The good news for pedestrians is that there are safety features that are supposed to keep them safe. The bad news is that they only work if pedestrians take advantage of them. Pedestrians should always use crosswalks and intersections that are designed for them. They should avoid walking in the road unless absolutely necessary.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 for a free legal consultation as soon as possible. We can help you determine what your options are to recover compensation for your damages.
