In a perfect world, everyone would be safe on California roads. A person riding a bike could simply follow laws and know that they were going to be safe. A person walking across a street at a crosswalk would be able to trust that drivers will follow laws. Unfortunately, this isn’t reality. Read on to learn more about how bicyclists and pedestrians can stay safe on California roads.
Consider the statistics
Before we move on to how you can stay safe, it’s important to understand just how serious this issue is. The U.S. Department of Transportation says that in one year alone, nearly 5,000 pedestrians were killed in car accidents and more than 740 bicyclists were similarly killed. In that same year, around 66,000 pedestrians and 48,000 bicyclists were injured during collisions with vehicles. These numbers should startle you and make you realize how serious this issue is.
Pedestrian accidents were declining but are on the rise again
For almost a decade, pedestrian injuries were on the decline. That’s no longer the case. What’s more is that more pedestrian and bike fatalities happen in California than in any other state. There are a number of reasons for this, including the many bikers and pedestrians on the road, and the unique roads we have here. According to one study, pedestrian injuries for children 14 and younger account for more than $5 billion in damages.
More statistics that may surprise you
When it comes to fatalities involving motor vehicles, more than one in ten involves a pedestrian. The most common times for pedestrian accidents are on evenings between the hours of 6 and 9 PM. About seven out of ten pedestrians who are killed are men and the average age of a pedestrian death victim is 46. About one-third of pedestrians who died in accidents in 2013 were too drunk to legally drive.
On the other hand, about two out of every 100 traffic fatalities involves a bicyclist. This number is likely lower because there are more pedestrians than bicyclists. Bicyclists who wear safety gear, especially helmets, are less likely to die in an accident. About 83% of bicyclist death victims are men and about one-fifth of fatal bike accidents happen between 6 and 9 PM. About one-fifth of bicyclist who died in accidents in 2013 were too drunk to legally drive.
Knowing where the danger zones are is the first step of safety
There are many ways you can stay safer as a pedestrian or bicyclist, including ensuring you’re visible by wearing bright colors, using the appropriate safety gear, and being aware of your surroundings. It’s also important to know where the most dangerous areas are. Simply knowing that you’re in more danger during certain times of the day, and knowing who’s most at risk, can help you create a safety plan that works for you.
If you were injured as a pedestrian or a bicyclist then there may be compensation available for you. Contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 to find out if your case has grounds for a personal injury lawsuit.
