Pedestrian crashes are a serious safety issue in Bakersfield and throughout the United States. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, pedestrian fatalities accounted for 15 percent of all traffic fatalities in 2016. In addition, pedestrian crashes cost $4.5 billion in damages each year. Sometimes, pedestrian accidents might also cause serious injuries that can have a long-term impact on the injured individual’s life. Therefore, it is essential to consult with Bakersfield pedestrian accident lawyers if you have been injured in a pedestrian accident.
There are many reasons why a pedestrian may be involved in a crash with a vehicle. While some crashes may be unavoidable, others may be caused by the driver’s negligence.
Let us now see the most common causes of pedestrian-involved crashes in Bakersfield.
- Speeding
In Bakersfield, speeding is one of the most common causes of pedestrian-involved crashes. Pedestrians are more likely to be seriously injured or killed when struck by a vehicle traveling at high speeds. In an effort to reduce the number of pedestrian-involved crashes in Bakersfield, law enforcement officials are encouraged to enforce the speed limit.
- Driving under influence
In California, as in most states, it is illegal to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Despite this fact, DUI is still a common cause of pedestrian-involved crashes. A recent study by the Kern County Public Health Services Department found that driving under the influence was a factor in more than a third of all pedestrian-involved crashes in Bakersfield.
- Distracted driving
Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of pedestrian crashes in Bakersfield. Drivers who are distracted are four times more likely to crash into a pedestrian. When drivers are distracted, they are not paying attention to the road and are not able to react quickly enough to avoid a collision. Pedestrians also need to be aware of the dangers of distracted driving and take steps to stay safe.
- Disregarding traffic signals and rules
Bakersfield, California, is a city that has many pedestrians. Unfortunately, disregarding traffic signals and rules is one of the common causes of pedestrian-involved crashes. According to a study done by the Bakersfield Police Department, almost 60 percent of all pedestrian crashes in the city occur when the pedestrian crosses the street illegally. This can be due to many reasons, such as pedestrians not paying attention to the traffic signals or crossing in an area that is not designated for pedestrians.
