Can Auto versus Pedestrian Accidents be avoided?

Woodland Hills personal injury lawyer Barry P. Goldberg handles several serious auto versus pedestrian accidents every year.  Recently, the Los Angeles Times identified the most dangerous intersections for pedestrian accidents.  Although the analysis shows most of the pedestrian accidents are clustered in high-density areas near downtown, a surprising number of accidents occur in suburban areas such as Woodland Hills.

The over-riding theme of the pedestrian accidents in the Valley are that they occur near schools, parks and shopping areas.  So, drivers as well as pedestrians must be on special alert in these areas.  Further, both drivers and pedestrians must take their eyes off of mobile devices when driving and, in the case of pedestrians, when crossing streets.

Drivers—Don’t Hit the Pedestrian!

Drivers must always STOP whenever they see a pedestrian at marked and un-marked crosswalks, and at corners where there is even a possibility that that the pedestrian will mix with traffic.

Drivers must always STOP behind the white crosswalk line or intersection line.

Drivers should always SLOW DOWN and cover brakes when approaching a crosswalk.

Drivers must always CHECK for people crossing or about to cross the street.

Drivers should exercise SPECIAL CAUTION before turning right, for people stepping off the curb, and before turning left, for people already crossing.

Drivers should always WAIT to begin turns until pedestrians reach the opposite sidewalk.

Pedestrians—Don’t get Hit by a Car!

Pedestrians always REMEMBER that you will always lose the battle between you and a car.  The injuries are devastating. Assume the driver does not see you even if you have the right of way.

Pedestrians always LOOK in all directions before crossing any street.

Pedestrians always CROSS INSIDE THE CROSSWALK, even if it is out of your way.

Pedestrians must always MAKE EYE CONTACT with drivers as a signal that you are about to cross.  If you cannot see the driver’s eyes, the driver probably does not know you are there!

Woodland Hills personal injury lawyer Barry P. Goldberg understands that many people are distracted and in a hurry.  However, with a little bit of forethought, most auto versus pedestrian accidents can be completely avoided.