Pedestrian Dangers in Orange County
Pedestrian Dangers in Orange County
Pedestrians face significant dangers when they have to operate on or around the roadways in Orange County. Here, we want to discuss some of the most significant dangers that pedestrians face in this county. With this information, we hope that drivers and pedestrians alike can take the steps necessary to increase their safety on and around the roadway.
Orange County Pedestrians Face Dangers
Orange County government officials like to think that the area is safe for pedestrians, and this is relatively true for the tourist areas of the county. However, for locals walking to school, work, shopping centers, or elsewhere throughout the county, there are significant dangers. According to The Orange County Register, some of the most dangerous areas in the county are Costa Mesa, Irvine, and Anaheim.
Interestingly, when the pandemic started, the total number of vehicle collisions plummeted temporarily. However, this decrease in total vehicle collisions did not change the number of pedestrian accidents that occurred. In 2020, nearly 500 pedestrians were injured on the streets, on crosswalks, and on sidewalks in the county. The dangers do not seem to be subsiding.
What Dangers Are Present?
Pedestrian accidents occur in a wide variety of ways, often due to the negligence of other drivers in Orange County. Some of the main causes of pedestrian accidents include the following:
- Failing to yield. Drivers are required to yield the right of way to pedestrians in most circumstances, particularly at crosswalks and intersections. Unfortunately, many drivers are impatient or simply do not see pedestrians. This can lead to deadly collisions.
- Speeding. When drivers speed or operate too fast for conditions, they are placing individuals inside of the vehicles as well as pedestrians in danger. Because pedestrians are so vulnerable, accidents that occur at higher speeds typically result in catastrophic injuries such as brain trauma or spinal cord trauma.
- Impaired driving. Drivers operating under the influence of alcohol, illegal narcotics, or prescription medications are breaking the law, and they significantly increase the chance that they will strike a pedestrian in Orange County. Impaired driving collisions are more likely to occur in the evening and nighttime hours as well as during the weekends.
- Distracted driving. Distracted driving is a growing problem, despite California’s strict laws against various types of distracted driving behaviors. These behaviors can include talking or texting on a cell phone, taking photographs or videos, browsing social media or the Internet, and more.
- Confusing road signs. Pedestrians are allowed to cross the road at crosswalks and intersections, but that does not always mean these areas are easy to understand. Certain areas of Orange County have not been properly upgraded when it comes to pedestrian safety, and this can lead to confusion for drivers and pedestrians alike.
Contact a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
If you or somebody you love has been injured in a pedestrian accident caused by the actions of another driver in Orange County, reach out to a skilled Orange County personal injury lawyer today. An attorney can use their resources and conduct a full investigation into the incident. The ultimate goal is to make sure that you recover compensation for your medical bills, property damage expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering trauma, and more.