PEDESTRIANS URGED TO STAY ALERT, AVOID DARK COLORS TO PREVENT ACCIDENTS AND INJURIES

On Behalf of | Apr 2, 2019 | Personal Injury |

Pedestrians Urged to Stay Alert

The recent rash of motor vehicle accidents in San Jose involving pedestrians has gotten people talking about the problem and how to address it. Increased law enforcement efforts in apprehending reckless drivers and improvements to infrastructure designed to increase pedestrian safety are both viable safety options currently being implemented. However, some suggest that pedestrians themselves need to be more aware of the behaviors which put them at risk.

San Jose Pedestrian Accidents Continue Alarming Increase

For the past several years, there have been a steady number of pedestrian accidents in our area. The current years tally started on January 1, 2019, when an incident involving an SUV left the mayor of San Jose with multiple broken bones. One of the most recent pedestrian crashes occurred in late January, claiming the life of a local man who was a husband, father, volunteer firefighter, and Sunday school teacher. In 2018 there was a total of 24 pedestrian deaths, the highest number in three years.

San Jose city officials claim that part of the problem is a thinly stretched police force unable to crack down on reckless drivers, combined with high crash risk intersections and roadways in need of safety improvements. The city plans to address these issues over the next year as part of its Vision Zero plan, which aims at reducing the overall number of traffic accidents. While more sidewalks, increased lighting, and additional crosswalks will help, some are saying pedestrians need to be more aware of the types of behaviors which put them at risk.

Behaviors Which Increase Your Risk of Pedestrian Accidents

One news outlet conducts a regular chat session with readers in which they discuss topical issues. Recently, the subject was pedestrian safety. While participants expressed concern over the high number of accidents and injuries, they also expressed frustration over behaviors which put pedestrians at risk. Many reported encountering people out at night walking while dressed all in black, which makes them less visible to drivers on the road. Others commented on people walking in the street, rather than on sidewalks, as well as those who fail to pay attention when crossing public parking lots.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), these types of behaviors do increase your pedestrian accident risks, as does walking with earbuds or while texting and being under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medications. However, it is important to note that even in these scenarios, it is still the reckless driving behaviors which create the biggest pedestrian risks.

Contact Our San Jose Accident Attorneys Today

At the Jachimowicz Law Group, we provide trusted legal representation you can count on when pedestrian accidents occur. Let us help you hold responsible drivers accountable, so you can get the compensation you need to recover. To request a free consultation, call us at our office or contact our skilled San Jose personal injury attorneys online today.

Sources:

https://www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/pedestrian-safety

https://www.mercurynews.com/2019/02/11/a-plea-to-pedestrians-to-avoid-wearing-black-clothes-roadshow/

https://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2019/01/28/man-died-in-san-jose-pedestrian-hit-and-run/