Ventura County Hit-and-Run Critically Injures Pedestrian
A hit-and-run accident on Friday, May 12, critically injured a pedestrian in Port Hueneme. No further information on the victim of the accident has been released as of the time of this report. Police are seeking information on the vehicle’s driver that struck the pedestrian.
What Happened
The accident occurred in the evening at about 8:15 by the Port Hueneme Police Department on Ventura Road, when a pedestrian, described as a male, age 36, was hit by a recreation vehicle. After the collision, the driver of the RV kept going. The RV was found abandoned close to the accident scene.
Witness Accounts
Witnesses to the crash informed police that a woman was seen walking away from the vehicle, which had been abandoned on Clara Street. She was described as being in her 30s and carrying a child. Her height was about 5’5”, and her weight was about 120 pounds. The woman was dressed in a tank top and pants that were both black in color. It is unknown at this time whether the driver and the pedestrian knew each other.
Pedestrian Accidents
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, approximately 5,000 pedestrians are killed annually. In 2014, 65,000 people were injured in such accidents. In fact, statistics show that out of all deaths associated with a traffic accident, 15 percent were pedestrian accidents.
Characteristics of Pedestrian Accidents
Most pedestrian accidents do not happen at intersections. In fact, only 19 percent do, while 71 percent do not. Urban areas have more pedestrian accidents by 78 percent compared with 22 percent for rural areas. Seventy-two percent occur in the dark.
The average age of pedestrians killed nationwide has remained relatively stable at 45-47. Nineteen percent of children 14 years of age and younger are killed in pedestrian accidents out of all traffic crashes. Males were killed more often in pedestrian accidents than females by a factor of 70 percent.
For both the pedestrian and the driver, 48 percent of the time, alcohol use was involved. Approximately 35 percent of pedestrians who died had a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 or greater.
Passenger vehicles and light trucks usually hit a pedestrian with the front of the vehicle, while larger vehicles have a greater incidence of side and rear impacts.
Things Drivers and Pedestrians Can Do to Prevent Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrians should try to use sidewalks when possible. If sidewalks are not available, walking on the shoulder of the road and facing traffic is a good choice. Crossing the roadway should be done using crosswalks, but these are not always available. Cross in well-lit areas and wait for a break in traffic flow. Wear light-colored clothing so you are visible to drivers.
Drivers need to be aware of pedestrians and keep a lookout at all times. Slow down when a crosswalk is approaching, and check to see if a pedestrian is entering the crosswalk. Always stop for pedestrian traffic. Do not drive impaired, and don’t speed.
Ventura Personal Injury Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Ventura personal injury lawyer. If you or someone you love was hurt in a pedestrian accident, please phone me at (805) 372-0200 or out of the area (800) 404-5400 for friendly and free advice.
I’ve helped Californians for over 35 years in personal injury cases.
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Please look at my past verdicts and settlements page to see how I resolved previous cases.
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