Serious injuries common in San Diego crosswalk accidents

May 16, 2013

The San Diego area has moderate weather that lends itself to walking. Yet, anytime motorists and pedestrians share the road, accidents can occur. In a pedestrian accident serious injuries are common. Vehicle weight and any amount of speed can easily break bones and cause serious spinal cord or brain injuries. Pedestrian fatalities are unfortunately too common.

The U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Highway Administration labels San Diego along with several other cities in California a 'focus city,' because at least 20 pedestrian deaths were reported last year. The designation means that the city receives federal resources to reduce pedestrian accidents.

Midblock medians and pedestrian crossing signals

Some of the recommendations for safer pedestrian areas include midblock medians and pedestrian-activated warning devices. The federal agency estimates that approximately 70 percent of pedestrian accidents occur somewhere besides a street corner. Midblock crashes can be more severe, because vehicles are travelling faster. Medians can discourage people from crossing midblock.

A midblock pedestrian crossing with a "High intensity Activated crossWalK (or HAWK)" displays a red signal and a "WALK" indication allowing pedestrians to cross major roadways. It has been shown that pedestrian hybrid beacons can reduce almost 3 out of 4 pedestrian crashes.

When walking, wait for a crosswalk before crossing a busy road. Jaywalking in San Diego is also against the law and can result in a $100 citation. In March, police targeted jaywalkers and issued hundreds of citations in a citywide crackdown to reduce pedestrian fatalities.

Most common motorist violations in San Diego

The San Diego Police Department Traffic Division lists distracted driving as a common concern when it comes to crosswalk accidents. A survey by the UC San Diego School of Medicine on driving habits found cellphones were the leading cause of driver distraction crashes. For example, 31 percent of the people polled felt obliged to take a work call while driving underscoring the need that many feel to be constantly available.

Distractions are not limited to talking on a cellphone or texting while driving, but also include inputting information into a GPS, reading the map displayed, or eating while behind the wheel.

Some of the other common violations reported are:
- Right-of-way violations - when a vehicle has a green light and a pedestrian has a "walk" sign, the motorist must stop and yield the way

- Failure to stop properly - failing to stop or turning on a red arrow is a violation and speed or trying to make a yellow is no excuse.

Pedestrians also need to avoid distractions when the crossing busy intersections. Making eye contact with an oncoming motorist is one way to anticipate what the driver will do.

If injured in a crosswalk accident, an experienced San Diego personal injury can explain your rights. If the negligence of a motorist caused the accident, you may be entitled to receive compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering.

Article provided by Law Offices of Daral B. Mazzarella
Visit us at mazzarellalaw.com