Every year in the United States, thousands of injuries and fatalities occur due to pedestrian accidents. According to the California Department of Public Health, 254 pedestrian fatalities occurred in the Victorville area from 2007 through 2012. In addition, 1,645 pedestrians sustained non-fatal injuries. There are high numbers that reveal a huge safety concern for pedestrians in the Victorville area. What’s causing these high numbers of pedestrian accidents?
While pedestrians may not be using crosswalks properly or just not looking out for oncoming cars, there are a number of other reasons causing these numbers to inflate. Unsafe driving speeds, alcohol-impaired drivers, drivers texting or talking on their cell phones are common causes of pedestrian accidents. In a way, technology has increased the number of pedestrian accidents.
Pedestrians are particularly vulnerable for injuries when struck by a car. The size, weight and speed of a car can do a lot of bodily damage. Walking away unscathed is a stroke of luck. Typical pedestrian injuries included broken bones, head injuries, spinal injuries and sometimes an untimely death. Just recently in April 2014, a pedestrian was struck by a car while walking along Interstate 15 Freeway. This pedestrian was pronounced dead upon arrival by the paramedics. In 2013, two pedestrians were struck by a vehicle while crossing Palmdale Road. Both the man and woman were taken to a nearby hospital; the woman was pronounced dead upon arrival. Victorville authorities are still investigating to determine whether or not speed was a factor in the accident.
A driver charged for vehicular homicide in 2013 was recently sentenced in June 2014 to 25 years to life in prison. The driver caused the death of one pedestrian and injury to another while they were crossing Garfield Avenue in Victorville. It was reported that the driver of the car was speeding at 70 mph and ran a stop sign. Originally, the driver left the scene and was apprehended by police three days later. Records revealed he had three prior DUI convictions, and he was also charged with another separate DUI when he was apprehended. Both Palmdale and Garfield are considered dangerous roads in Victorville.
To help reduce the incident of pedestrian accidents in Victorville, authorities are warning locals to use extra care when crossing the streets. Not only should pedestrians look both ways before crossing, anticipating vehicles drivers running through red lights and stop signs is an extra precaution.
