Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents Deadly for Los Angeles Residents

November 02, 2012 (Press-News.org) After driving down the streets of Los Angeles, it comes as no surprise that they are particularly dangerous for both pedestrians and bicyclists. A study recently released by the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute has revealed that Los Angeles' roads are some of the most dangerous in the country for people traveling by foot and by bike.

According to the study, approximately 33 percent of people killed in traffic accidents in Los Angeles are pedestrians. While this rate seems high on its own, it is particularly shocking when compared to the national average. In the United States, pedestrian deaths account for approximately 11 percent of all fatalities due to traffic accidents.

Similar data was discovered for bicycle accidents -- around 3 percent of Los Angeles traffic deaths were bicyclists, compared to 1.7 percent across the country. The study reviewed nearly 450,000 accidents in Los Angeles from 2002 to 2009. Of those, more than 2,000 resulted in at least one fatality.

In addition, statistics regarding the details of these fatal crashes were heightened in Los Angeles. For instance, men in Los Angeles and across the country are involved in more accidents than women. Nevertheless, men in Los Angeles made up a larger percentage of crash victims than men in the U.S. as a whole -- 62.3 percent in L.A. compared to 57.6 percent nationwide.

Los Angeles also sees a higher proportion of fatal pedestrian and bicycle accidents than the rest of the country, in terms of the number that occur under the following conditions:
- At intersections
- At low speeds (under 35 mph)
- At night (from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.)

According to one of the study's authors, Los Angeles' higher rate of such accidents can be attributed to "exposure." He stated, "When you look at large urban areas you have a wider mix of road users." In addition, some point to a lack of funding for pedestrian and bicycle safety initiatives in Los Angeles County. The planning and policy director for Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition has stated that less than 1 percent of transportation funding is set aside for such measures, when practically 20 percent of all travel in the county is done on foot or bike.

Hold Los Angeles Motorists Accountable

Motorists must be aware of their surroundings and abide by all traffic laws to ensure the safety of pedestrians and bicyclists. People traveling by bike or on foot are more vulnerable to sustaining severe personal injuries if they are involved in a motor vehicle accident. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in the wake of a motor vehicle crash, pedestrians are 1.5 times more likely to be fatally injured than passengers inside the vehicle.

If you have been injured in a pedestrian or bicycle accident or have lost a loved one in such an accident, you may be entitled to damages from the responsible party. A skilled personal injury attorney can evaluate the case and protect your rights.

Article provided by Scott J. Corwin, A Professional Law Corporation
Visit us at www.sjclaw.com/