Pedestrian Injured Near High School
A pedestrian sustained injuries after getting hit by a vehicle on April 6, 2018, near Rio American High School in Sacramento.
What Happened
The pedestrian was struck by a black BMW at about 7:30 in the morning on American River Drive between Morris Way and Saverin Drive. The slow lane was blocked by the BMW as the California Highway Patrol (CHP) investigated the accident. Medical personnel was called to attend to the injured pedestrian. However, at this time, the name of the injured person and the extent of injuries have not been released.
Pedestrian Accidents
In 2016, pedestrian deaths in California decreased by 11 percent while they rose 11 percent nationwide, bringing the country-wide total to 6,000. This reflected the highest number of fatalities in 20 years. In Sacramento County, 535 pedestrians were killed or injured in 2015, according to the California Office of Traffic Safety. In the city of Sacramento, 228 pedestrians were killed or injured in 2015.
Reasons Motorists Cause Pedestrian Accidents
The vast majority of pedestrian accidents occur due to a motor vehicle driver’s lack of attention. Other common reasons include:
- Not looking to see if pedestrians are in or entering crosswalks.
- Failing to yield to pedestrians.
- Not stopping at stop signs or passing through an intersection on a red light.
- Making illegal turns. This includes backing up on the roadway or making an illegal U-turn.
- Not using turn signals to warn of an impending turn.
- driving drunk.
- Not checking for pedestrians when making a left or right turn.
- Speeding which more likely causes serious injuries or death. A vehicle traveling at 40 mph will kill a pedestrian 90 percent of the time. At 20 mph, only 5 percent of pedestrians will be killed.
- Being distracted while driving. This includes talking on the phone or texting.
Pedestrian Have a Responsibility Too
Pedestrians are required to act in a way that will ensure their safety. Some actions lead to increased pedestrian accidents:
- Dressing in dark clothes, particularly at night is risky. In low lit areas, this prevents motorists from seeing a pedestrian until it is too late. Carrying a flashlight, using removable reflectors on clothing or wearing light-colored garments helps.
- Listening to music while walking is dangerous. This prevents a pedestrian from hearing traffic noises.
- Not being aware of traffic can be a bad idea. Nowadays, some vehicles like electric cars are quiet. Without being visually vigilant a pedestrian may not know they are there. Overall, quiet vehicles hit pedestrians 40 percent more often than other motor vehicles.
- Not using an intersection to cross or darting out in front of vehicles is a major cause of pedestrian accidents.
- Walking while intoxicated due to alcohol or drugs lessens your reaction time.
- Crossing against a signal light is not just illegal, it is dangerous.
Children and the Elderly in Pedestrian Accidents
Children are hit by motor vehicles more often, particularly those under 9 years of age. If a crosswalk carries a warning that children might be present or if it is near a school, drivers are expected to be more careful as they proceed. Often times, the speed limits are modified. This is true when a school bus is stopped for passengers. Failure to obey these rules can result in injuries or death and carry significant fines.
Older individuals are killed more often in a pedestrian accident. Aside from physical vulnerabilities, older individuals may not be as aware of traffic due to decreased sensory acuteness.
Pedestrian Accident Attorney in Sacramento
I’m Ed Smith, a pedestrian accident attorney in Sacramento. If you or someone you love has been injured or killed in a pedestrian accident, you need free, friendly advice. Call me at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400. Don’t hesitate to use my online contact form either.
I belong to the Million Dollar Advocates. It’s a forum of lawyers who have won over $1 million verdicts and settlements for clients. If you would like to see how I resolved prior cases, go to the settlements and verdicts page on my website, AutoAccidents.com.
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