Los Angeles plans to address steady rise in pedestrian accidents

By Taylor & Ring | January 1, 2015

Do you feel safe as a pedestrian in Los Angeles? In September 2014, the city announced plans to improve pedestrian safety by focusing on particularly dangerous streets and intersections and making crosswalks more visible. Crosswalks in the downtown area are also equipped with timers that allow pedestrians a head start before vehicles can move into the intersection.

These and other measures, including shorter crosswalks, lower speed limits and stricter enforcement, have been shown to improve pedestrian safety in the urban landscape. Another factor — one that is perhaps more difficult to account for — is driver negligence.

Since 2009, the United States has seen a steady rise in the number of fatal pedestrian accidents. A report recently released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration indicates a 15 percent increase in the overall number of pedestrian deaths between 2009 and the end of 2013. This disturbing increase is in contrast to the long-term decline of overall traffic deaths in the U.S.

So why are pedestrian accident numbers on the rise?

In Los Angeles and throughout the country, more people are walking and biking to get from place to place, yet there is still an assumption among some drivers that the road is solely for cars and trucks. Everyone must do his or her part to prevent collisions, and that includes recognizing the rights of pedestrians and avoiding aggression, distraction and intoxication while behind the wheel.

The reality is that negligence can lead to injuries to pedestrians and motorists alike, but pedestrians are far more vulnerable to injury in the event of a collision. Smart changes in infrastructure must combine with a culture of road safety to bring about significant change.

For more on the legal rights of pedestrians after an injurious accident, please visit our pedestrian accident overview.

Posted in Car Accidents