According to Transportation for America, in 2007 and 2008 there were 491 pedestrian deaths in the Southern California metro area (includes Santa Ana, Los Angeles, and Long Beach). This zone also had the most pedestrian fatalities out of the 26 California metro zones. The metro area of San Bernardino, Riverside, and Ontario experienced 159 pedestrian fatalities during the same time period--ranking the region number two for the most pedestrian deaths in California.
With 12 pedestrian deaths for 2007 - 2008, the California Highway Patrol, says the Orange County, California city of Santa Ana had highest number of pedestrian fatalities.
Transportation for America says most pedestrian deaths in California occurred on arterial roads that have higher speed limits and more traffic. The coalition also notes that there continue to be streets in California that don't have sidewalks or crosswalks.
Of course, there is also the issue of driver negligence that can cause serious pedestrian injuries. Distracted driving, drunk driving, speeding, failure to obey traffic signs, driving under the influence of drugs, and drowsy driving are some reasons why a driver might accidentally strike a Southern California pedestrian.
Meantime, US Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood who met with Transportation for America, is vowing to address the pedestrian safety issues noted by the advocacy group's report called "Dangerous by Design: Solving the Epidemic of Preventable Pedestrian Deaths (and Making Great Neighborhoods)." Since 1994, 76,000 pedestrian deaths occurred in the US that could have been prevented.
Spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, organ damage, and broken bones are the more common serious injuries sustained during Orange County, California car crashes. Our Anaheim pedestrian accident lawyers know that these injuries are not only painful and life changing but they can be costly to treat. The parties responsible for causing the accident may owe you damages for personal injury.
O.C. area more dangerous for pedestrians, OC Register, November 9, 2009
LaHood, Safety Council to Address Pedestrian Safety, School Transportation News, November 17, 2009
Related Web Resources:
Transportation for America
