People like to walk, as they should because of their physical health, but is it safe at all? In Los Angeles, it seems to be the least safe choice to get around town. California’s Office of Traffic Safety reports that there were 1,108 pedestrian fatalities in 2021, up 9.3% from 2020. This number is significantly higher than the national average, indicating a concerning trend in pedestrian safety.
The Growing Crisis of Pedestrian Safety in Los Angeles
Traffic accidents are a big problem for every society. Every country strives to reduce such cases to a minimum by tightening the penalties for traffic offenders who endanger other road users, especially pedestrians, by reckless driving. This problem, as it seems, is not only not being solved, but the situation is getting even worse. Such is the situation with a special type of traffic accident, that is, pedestrian accidents. Pedestrian accidents are one of the leading traffic problems in America, and despite punitive measures, they are becoming more and more serious. Los Angeles stands out for the number of traffic accidents, and pedestrians are the injured parties.
As much as the law in Los Angeles tries to regulate the negligence of drivers and ensure the safety of pedestrians, the number of people injured and killed on the sidewalk or in the crosswalk is increasing. A pedestrian accident occurs frequently, often resulting in catastrophic injuries and fatalities, particularly due to distraction and inattention. People are increasingly afraid to walk down the street when they know the statistics regarding pedestrian traffic accidents. So, it is not easy and harmless to be a pedestrian in Los Angeles at all, but we are on the side of pedestrians and provide them with all the necessary legal assistance in this case.
How Are Drivers Responsible for Pedestrian Safety?
First of all, everyone is a pedestrian. Even drivers who go everywhere by car are pedestrians at some point, at least while getting out of the car and heading home. Everyone should know that safety is a priority when driving, especially for those who indirectly participate in traffic, that is, pedestrians who carelessly walk in their zone—the sidewalk. The problem arises when drivers do not have enough awareness and conscience of their responsibility from the moment they get into the car and endanger other people with their behavior in traffic. In the worst case (which, unfortunately, is not rare), reckless driving leads to fatalities, that is, people are being killed while walking on the sidewalk or crossing the street. Los Angeles has been struggling with this problem for a long time, and to make matters worse, this problem is getting bigger and bigger.
Traffic injuries disproportionately impact vulnerable communities, particularly people of color, poor people, children, and seniors. Statistics show a rising number of pedestrian fatalities and pedestrian-involved crashes in Los Angeles and nationwide.
Official Data On Pedestrian Fatalities In Los Angeles Is Alarming
Pedestrian Accidents: A Growing Problem in Los Angeles 2 Despite all initiatives to raise awareness among drivers about conscientious driving, pedestrian accidents in Los Angeles are increasing every year. According to data from the Los Angeles Police Department and NHTSA:
- The number of pedestrian deaths in traffic in 2021 increased by as much as 6% compared to 2020.
- In 2021, there were 7,388 pedestrian deaths in the US, a 12.5% increase from the 6,565 pedestrian fatalities in 2020
- In 2022, there were 7,522 recorded pedestrian fatalities in the US and 67,000 injured
- In 2022, Los Angeles County recorded 312 pedestrian fatalities.
The pedestrian fatality rate in California is higher than the national average, highlighting a persistent issue with pedestrian fatalities in the state.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration released official data showing that pedestrian deaths in 2022 increased by 2% compared to 2021 across the country. This worrying data indicates that the situation with pedestrian accidents is becoming alarming!
Traffic Accidents Involving Pedestrians: An Increasing Concern
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports every year on traffic accidents involving pedestrians. Data showing that the number of injured and killed people in traffic is increasing every year, despite all the prescribed safety measures, show that the problem is getting bigger. In California, pedestrian traffic fatalities have risen by 12% over the past year, with Los Angeles accounting for a significant portion of these deaths. You can read the full traffic fatality report for 2022 released by the NHTSA here.
NHTSA’s Efforts to Promote Traffic Safety
The National Safety Administration is fighting with all its resources to raise awareness among citizens about the importance of responsible driving. Every year, it publishes reports on traffic accidents to influence social awareness of this problem. The Governors Highway Safety Association also provides analysis on pedestrian fatalities, including data on the number of pedestrian deaths, trends in pedestrian fatalities, and factors contributing to pedestrian accidents such as distracted walking incidents and nighttime conditions. In addition to the report, NHTSA publishes traffic safety articles as well as pedestrian traffic safety manuals, which you can read more about here.
Los Angeles’ Measures to Enhance Pedestrian Safety
The administration of Los Angeles is also doing everything in its power to stop the growth of this statistic. According to Connie Llanos, an interim general manager of the Los Angeles Department of Transportation, which oversees pedestrian safety, they are doing everything they can to improve the traffic situation. She states that more than 6,000 new pedestrian crossings, street signs, signals, and other treatments have been installed in Los Angeles in the past 5 years to create better traffic conditions and prevent traffic accidents. Unfortunately, despite all the initiatives and efforts to influence the public discourse on this problem, Los Angeles is still facing the same problem which is getting bigger every year.
Contributing Factors to Pedestrian Deaths
Several factors contribute to the high rate of pedestrian accidents and fatalities in Los Angeles:
1. Dangerous Driving Behaviors:
- Distracted Driving: With the proliferation of smartphones, distracted driving has become a leading cause of traffic collisions. Drivers who are texting or using their phones are less likely to notice pedestrians, leading to fatal pedestrian accidents.
- Drunk Driving: Intoxicated drivers pose a severe risk to pedestrians, as their impaired judgment and slower reaction times often result in tragic outcomes. Additionally, pedestrian accidents can lead to severe spinal cord injuries, resulting in permanent disability and paralysis.
2. Inadequate Pedestrian Infrastructure:
- Poor Visibility: Many accidents occur due to inadequate lighting and poor visibility, especially in areas lacking sufficient street lighting or clear street signs.
- Unsafe Crosswalks: Many crosswalks in the city are poorly designed or inadequately marked, increasing the risk of pedestrians crossing streets.
- Lack of Safe Routes: Urban areas, particularly in South Los Angeles, often lack safe pedestrian pathways, forcing people to navigate dangerous streets.
3. Pedestrian Negligence:
- Distracted Walking: Just as drivers can be distracted, pedestrians using smartphones or other devices while crossing streets are at greater risk.
- Unsafe Behaviors: Ignoring traffic signals and jaywalking contribute to pedestrian accidents. These accidents can result in traumatic brain injuries, leading to long-term effects such as permanent disability and paralysis.
Get Professional Help From a Los Angeles Pedestrian Accident Attorney
If you or someone close to you has had an unpleasant experience on the sidewalk, crosswalk, or in general in traffic while being a pedestrian, we are here to bring justice into your hands. Certainly, a priority is to reduce the danger to pedestrians to a minimum. But, unfortunately, as the above statistics indicate, that goal has still not been achieved. Pedestrians are still endangered by the unsafe driving of individuals who recklessly participate in traffic.
In the context of traffic fatalities, it is crucial to seek legal assistance to navigate the complexities of pedestrian accident cases and ensure justice is served.
The Importance of Speaking Out and Seeking Help
One effective way to combat this issue as a community is for injured pedestrians to speak out and seek professional assistance. Those harmed by drivers should reach out for help to ensure justice is served. A dedicated team of Los Angeles pedestrian accident lawyers is committed to supporting pedestrians, working tirelessly to resolve cases in favor of those who have suffered physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Comprehensive Support from Pedestrian Accident Lawyers
Our Los Angeles pedestrian accident lawyer team is on the side of pedestrians, doing everything in our power to resolve the case in the best interest of the client, that is, the pedestrian who suffered physical, mental, and emotional suffering, as well as to receive the best medical treatment. With joint forces, we are fighting to create a better society, implement appropriate sanctions for the accused, and grant the injured party the treatment they need, the maximum compensation for damages following the situation.
Don’t Face This Alone: Contact Bojat Law Group Today!
You don’t have to face this problem alone; seek professional legal help from a pedestrian accident attorney. Bojat Law Group, a Los Angeles Accident Lawyer firm, provides you with full support and legal assistance in the process of resolving a pedestrian accident case. Contact us by clicking on this link, we are at your disposal for all questions.
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