The Office of Traffic Safety is a California agency that offers grants to communities throughout California. The purpose of the grants is to help local areas improve traffic safety through enforcement and education. In 2019, there will be more than $80 million given in grants to close to 300 communities throughout the state. More than $5.7 million of that will be specifically set aside for bike and pedestrian safety.
Read on to learn more about these grants and whether or not you are likely to see one in your community. If you find yourself injured in a car accident or other type of accident then we urge you to contact a personal injury attorney. You can reach Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 for a free legal consultation.
Grants are given out on a need-basis
The grants are determined and doled out based on need. Through the year, California completes surveys and studies in various cities and communities. They use the results of these to determine how the grants are distributed. For example, if a community has a higher than average number of pedestrian fatalities then the grant could allocate money to the community to add pedestrian barriers, or to offer education to drivers and pedestrians.
The grants generally focus on education
As far as the state is concerned, the more people know about their surroundings the better off they will be. This is why the grants focus on ensuring people are educated about how to get to and from their destination while walking or riding a bike. The theme of the grant education is common sense. The education includes facts like: Even if a person has a right of way as a pedestrian, they should still look before crossing the street.
The grants can also pay for upgrades
In addition to the education the grants can offer, they can also be used to upgrade crosswalks, to ensure that all crosswalks and sidewalks are handicapped accessible, and to upgrade signals for traffic and pedestrian needs. These simple steps can have a huge impact on the number of injuries and fatalities.
Nothing can prevent all accidents
While we applaud the efforts to reduce the number and severity of accidents, the reality is that there is nothing that can be done to prevent all accidents. If you have been injured in an accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your damages. This includes pain and suffering, medical bills, emotional distress, lost wages, and rehab costs.
The best way to find out if you are eligible for compensation is to contact a personal injury attorney. You can reach Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas by calling us at 909-982-0707. We will begin with a free legal consultation so you know exactly what your options are.
