Some California drivers poorly reflected in recent statistics

April 25, 2013 (Press-News.org) Some California drivers poorly reflected in recent statistics

Article provided by Hanasab & Zolekhian, LLP
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Recent statistics indicate that Americans seem to be improving their driving skills. In fact, in 2011, the number of fatal collisions dropped to the lowest it has been in over 60 years. According to the Huffington Post, recent federal transportation reports indicate that 32,367 people were killed in traffic accidents in 2011. This number represents a 1.9 percent decrease from 2010.

California drivers aren't "on trend"

Although there is a national decline in the number of fatal collisions, California has actually experienced an increase in the number of fatal accidents. In fact, according to the Huffington Post, in 2011 California had the second highest number of automobile fatalities. In that year 2,791 individuals were killed in automobile accidents, an increase of 2.6 percent from the year before.

California also stands apart from the national trend in that it has a large problem with fatal accidents involving pedestrians. In Los Angeles, pedestrians accounted for almost one-third of all traffic fatalities. This startling statistic is more than double the national average.

The state takes action

Given the startling statistics regarding its traffic fatalities, California recently started increasing its efforts to fight such tragedies. Los Angeles, in particular, recently began focusing on the safety of its pedestrians. The city recently created a municipal position to oversee the efforts of pedestrian safety. This newly appointed "pedestrian coordinator" is to be responsible for improving the conditions of all public services used by pedestrians.

The city has also enacted a campaign, "Watch the Road", geared at fighting pedestrian fatalities. Initiated to decrease the amount of all types of traffic accidents in California, the Watch the Road Campaign has even received the support of the city's mayor.

One of the campaign's most recent programs involves the visibility of crosswalks. Concerned that the crosswalks are not visible enough to pedestrians and drivers, the state has begun to convert many existing crosswalks into more recognizable safety crossing zones. The hope is that these bold features will make drivers more aware of foot traffic on the roads and will make pedestrians more aware of the areas designated as crossing zones.

The state of California is not the only culprit...

The state's efforts in decreasing traffic fatalities are a step in the right direction. However, the state is not the only party responsible for the high number of car accidents in California. Rather, the unsafe conduct of many other parties -- primarily that of the drivers -- contributes to a great deal of fatalities. In such instances, the driver must be held accountable for his or her actions.

Ensuring financial compensation

Automobile accidents not only affect the injured party, but they also greatly impact victims' families. In addition to expensive medical bills, the injured party may endure years of pain and suffering, and even the inability to return to work. An individual injured in an automobile accident should contact an experienced personal injury attorney.