Distracted Pedestrians Causing More Accidents in California

August 03, 2012 (Press-News.org) Distracted Pedestrians Causing More Accidents in California

California residents may have noticed that they are hearing about more accidents involving cars and pedestrians. That is because car accidents involving distracted pedestrians are on the rise.

In California, distracted pedestrians are just as dangerous as distracted drivers, especially as animosity has grown between the two groups. Traffic officers say the relationship between drivers and pedestrians is deteriorating, with both groups trying to take up every available space on the road. The territorial mentality on the road is dangerous and leads to more accidents.

Pedestrian fatalities in California increased 5.4 percent from 2009 to 2010. However, bike fatalities in the state have actually decreased by 9.2 percent since 2008. Biking safety numbers have not been this promising since 1984. Therefore it may be safer to bike than walk in the Bay Area.

Although intersections are a common location for pedestrian accidents to occur, a number of accidents occur outside of crosswalks when pedestrians dash across the street. When pedestrians cross the street outside of crosswalks, they put themselves in greater danger because drivers usually anticipate pedestrian traffic at intersections where they are expected to stop.

Modern technology is another factor causing the increase in car and pedestrian accidents. The use of cell phones behind the wheel to make calls and text causes distracted driving.

However, pedestrians and bikers are guilty of being distracted by technology as well. According to a Concord police officer interviewed in the Contra Costa Times, there is an increasing number of accidents between cars and pedestrians where the pedestrians are at fault.

He notes that distracted pedestrians are as dangerous as distracted drivers. Distracted by their cellphones, pedestrian often dart directly into crosswalks without following traffic signals. As a result, drivers do not see them in time.

Serious injury is extremely likely in accidents between cars and pedestrians, such as walkers and skateboarders. Pedestrian accidents are often higher in urban areas due to the higher volume of drivers and pedestrians.

A person who has been injured due to the negligence of another user of the road may be entitled to damages for medical expenses, lost wages, and even pain and suffering. An experienced personal injury attorney can ensure your rights are protected and help you obtain maximum compensation for your injury or loss.

Article provided by Law Offices of Carcione, Cattermole, Dolinksi, Okimoto, Stucky, Ukshini, and Markowit
Visit us at http://www.carcionelaw.com