Plans to Make Broadway Safer for Cyclists and Pedestrians
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento car accident lawyer. Plans are underway by city planners to shrink the traffic lanes from four to three to cope with roadway dangers along Broadway. If the city planners are successful, it could mean that by 2022, the area will be much safer for pedestrians and bicyclists. The hope is to revitalize the area, making it more attractive to people who live locally so they can take advantage of nearby businesses and restaurants.
Two Phases Planned for the Renovation Project
The project is expected to cost around $10 million, and construction should start in 2021. If it is approved, it will consist of two phases. It is planned to ultimately include renovations on Broadway between Franklin Boulevard and 3rd Street. The first phase will focus on the area of Broadway between 16th Street and 3rd Street. The other phase will extend from Franklin Boulevard to 16th Street. An associate engineer believes that it will be much safer for pedestrians and bicycle riders when crosswalk markings and bike lanes are added. One local motorist was not as happy with the plan, saying that the homeless problem in the area should be addressed.
Accident Statistics
The project to renovate Broadway is to make it more usable and increase safety for motorists, bicycle riders, and pedestrians. In Sacramento in 2015, 4,502 accidents resulted in injuries or fatalities. This statistic placed Sacramento third out of 15 similarly sized cities in California. Pedestrians were injured or killed in 228 of these accidents, while bicycle riders were hurt or died in 231, according to the California Office of Traffic Safety. Projects such as the renovation of Broadway can help to make our city safer for everyone.
Bicycle Accidents
When a bicyclist is in a collision with a motor vehicle, it isn’t surprising that they are the ones who suffer serious injuries. According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, in 2016, 2.2 percent of traffic fatalities were bicycle riders. When injured because of a driver’s negligent actions, a personal injury lawyer can explain your options and help by building a strong case for compensation. Following are some of the most common features that were found in these collisions:
- The highest number of bicyclist fatalities occurred between the hours of 6:00 in the evening and 9:00 p.m.
- Eighty-four percent of the fatalities in bicycle collisions were male.
- Seventy-one percent of the bicyclist fatalities happened in urban settings.
- The highest age range for bicyclist deaths was in the 55 to 59 year-old group.
- Alcohol consumption by the rider was determined to be a factor in 29 percent.
Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrians are among those who are the most vulnerable in a collision with a motor vehicle because of their lack of protection and low visibility. According to the NHTSA, there were 5,376 fatalities in 2015 of pedestrians who were in accidents with motor vehicles. It was reported that a pedestrian died every two hours in collisions. Pedestrians are injured every seven minutes. That means that pedestrians accounted for 14 percent of all traffic deaths in 2015. Older pedestrians, children and the blind and disabled are at particular risk.
Related Article by Sacramento Car Accident Lawyer Ed Smith
Sacramento Car Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento car accident lawyer. Negligence is a major cause of accidents that involve motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians. If you or someone you care about was injured or lost through a wrongful death, please contact me at (916) 921-6400 for free and friendly advice. I can also be contacted at (800) 404-5400.
During my work as a personal injury lawyer for more than 36 years, I’ve helped many Sacramento residents get needed compensation for all types of injury accidents, including wrongful death.
As a milliondollaradvocates.com member, I belong to a forum of trial lawyers with a verdict or settlement in excess of $1 million for a client.
Please look over the following links to see some of our previous cases and client reviews of my law firm:
Photo Attribution: https://www.pexels.com/photo/asphalt-blur-city-cityscape-448828/
:cd llo [cs 702] cv