Fatal accidents are a growing problem in California

February 27, 2013 (Press-News.org) Fatal accidents are a growing problem in California

Article provided by Law Offices of Stephen H. Verchick & Associates
Visit us at http://www.verchicklaw.com/

In 2011, the number of fatal collisions dropped to its lowest point in over 60 years. According to a federal transportation data, 32,367 people were killed in traffic accidents in 2011. This figure represents a 1.9 percent decrease from 2010.

In spite of this decline, a recent study shows that an alarming number of drivers have fallen asleep while at the wheel; according to a survey conducted by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, one in four U.S. adults has fallen asleep while driving.

Recently, the government estimated that approximately three percent of fatal automobile accidents involve drowsy drivers. However, other estimates have stated that the figure is as high as 33 percent.

Fatal traffic accidents on the rise in California

Contrary to the federal trend, California has actually experienced a 2.6 percent increase in the number of fatal accidents. In 2011 California was home to 2,791 fatal accidents. This figure makes California the state with the second largest amount of automobile fatalities; behind Texas, which had 3,023 automobile fatalities.

Moreover, pedestrian fatalities continue to be a big problem in California. A recent study concluded that in Los Angeles, pedestrians accounted for approximately one-third of all traffic fatalities. This startling statistic is nearly triple the national average.

California cities are taking steps to fight the rise in automobile accidents

Fortunately, cities such as Los Angeles have begun focusing on pedestrian safety. For instance, the City of Los Angeles recently hired a "pedestrian coordinator" whose primary responsibility is to improve the public conditions for pedestrians.

The City of Los Angeles also recently began the Watch the Road campaign. Initiated to decrease the amount of California's traffic injuries, the campaign has already hit the ground running.

As part of the Watch the Road campaign, the mayor of Los Angeles recently announced that the city is updating its crosswalk system. According to the mayor, the city is replacing the current crosswalks with crosswalks that are more visible. Known as "continental crosswalks," these traffic tools are two feet wide and are painted in stripes. The hope is that the bold nature of the new crosswalks will make both drivers and pedestrians more alert of foot traffic on the roads. Although the crosswalks are currently in very few locations, the mayor hopes to see all crosswalks transform into continental crosswalks in the future.

If you have been injured

Automobile accidents can have a detrimental affect not only on the injured party, but also on his or her family members. Not only do most accident victims incur astronomical medical bills, but they may also be out of work due to their injuries. A person who is injured or a family member of a victim of an automobile accident should contact an experienced personal injury attorney to discuss available options.