California drivers aren't following the national trend

May 16, 2013 (Press-News.org) According to the Huffington Post, recently published statistics suggest that American drivers may be improving as a whole when it comes to safer driving. The U.S. Department of Transportation released data indicating a decrease in the amount of fatalities resulting from automobile accidents. According to this data, 32,367 deaths resulted from automobile accidents in 2011. This figure represents a decline in such casualties of 1.9 percent from 2010.

California drivers may be an exception

While the recent national statistics show a decrease in automobile fatalities, California has actually experienced an increase in the total number of automobile fatalities.

According to the Huffington Post, in 2011, over 2,700 people died as a result of automobile accidents in California. Not only does this figure represent a 2.6 percent increase from the prior year, but it also designates California as the state with the second highest number of automobile fatalities.

In addition to not following the national trend regarding a decline in automotive fatalities, California experiences other unique traffic-related issues. For example, the state has a high number of fatal accidents involving pedestrians. In Los Angeles, pedestrians accounted for nearly one-third of all traffic fatalities. This figure is over double the national average.

The "road" to change

Faced with unfavorable statistics, California has become aware that it must address its traffic issues. The state has recently begun increasing the efforts it puts into traffic regulations and standards. Los Angeles, in particular, is placing emphasis on the safety of its pedestrians.

The city created a municipal position, the responsibility of which is to oversee the efforts of pedestrian safety. This "pedestrian coordinator" will be responsible for improving the conditions of the public services that are used by pedestrians.

Moreover, the state hopes to bring more attention to fighting pedestrian fatalities. In fact, the city launched a campaign in hopes of decreasing the number of such incidents.

To date, the campaign has enacted many initiatives to curb the number of fatalities. One of the campaign's most noticeable efforts is the changes it has made to crosswalks. Concerned that crosswalks are not visible enough to pedestrians and drivers, the city started converting many of its existing crosswalks into more recognizable safety crossing zones. The prominent features of the new crossing zones are meant to make drivers more aware of foot traffic and to inform pedestrians of the appropriate place to cross.

Drivers too must take responsibility

The state has made great efforts in order to decrease the number of automobile-related fatalities. Although these efforts will likely eliminate some casualties, there is one contributing factor that remains present: the drivers. When the carelessness of a driver results in injury, he or she must be held accountable for his or her actions.

Automobile accidents certainly have an impact on the injured party. Often times, however, they also have a substantial impact on the victim's family. An individual injured in an automobile accident may benefit by contacting an experienced personal injury attorney. An experienced attorney will work hard to obtain financial compensation for victims of an automobile accident.

Website: http://losangelescaraccident-attorney.com/