Recent fatal pedestrian accident inspires renewed efforts to secure safer crosswalks in West Hollywood.
On August 22, well-known WeHo local Clinton Bounds was struck and killed while crossing Santa Monica Boulevard near Hancock. Though evidence now suggests that Bounds was jaywalking, nonetheless his death inspired renewed efforts by citizens activist group Cross Safe WeHo to improve crosswalk safety in West Hollywood.
This was the second serious pedestrian accident on Santa Monica Boulevard this year, following a June accident in which a pedestrian was flung up onto the windshield of a car. Last year, there were six pedestrian accidents and one bicycle accident along this stretch of Santa Monica Boulevard.
According to the Sherriff’s Department, the crosswalk at Hancock and Santa Monica is one of the city’s most dangerous. It has no warning lights, and furthermore it is located in a very busy pedestrian area near lots of bars and clubs.
Plans to light the crosswalk are under way, but members of Cross Safe WeHo say the process is taking too long. The City Council authorized the lights in February, but apparently they have not yet even released the request for bids for the project yet. They say they are studying other options for improving crosswalk safety, such as reducing the speed limit to 25 on weekend nights, before moving forward with the lights. Members of Cross Safe WeHo wish that the city would at least install temporary flashing lights such as those used for special events to help address the immediate safety issue.
Of course, another important part of the equation is education. In the most recent pedestrian death, the pedestrian was not even in the crosswalk and therefore did not receive even the meager protection that might have provided.
The West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station recently conducted a pedestrian safety “sting” designed to help educate the public about the law. About 40 drivers received tickets, mainly for failure to yield and distracted driving, and 17 pedestrians received tickets for jaywalking or walking against red lights.
This operation serves as a reminder that drivers are not always the party at fault in a pedestrian accident. Pedestrians can also cause accidents by stepping into the roadway without looking or crossing outside the designated crosswalks. From the number of tickets given, it is apparent that more education would be beneficial. The City Council is currently seeking $15,000 to fund an educational campaign on pedestrian safety.
Meanwhile, if you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, do not hesitate to consult a skilled personal injury attorney about the prospects of securing compensation for your injuries and suffering.
