San Diego, California – November 2023: An alarming rise in pedestrian injuries and deaths in San Diego has prompted increased concern following a recent city audit that revealed chronic underfunding of pedestrian safety projects.
Over the past decade, serious and fatal pedestrian crashes have surged, with 1440 pedestrians killed in San Diego County in 2019 alone. Last month’s audit from San Diego’s Office of the City Auditor found that while improvements have been made since the initial audit in 2016, the frequency of these crashes in the city has remained unchanged despite San Diego’s Vision Zero initiative launched in 2015, aiming to eliminate all traffic fatalities by 2025.
While freak accidents do happen, in most cases, pedestrian accidents are due to negligence, with some of the most common causes being:
- Speeding Drivers: Excessive vehicle speeds dramatically increase both the likelihood of crashes and injury severity. San Diego has over 1,000 miles of streets with speed limits exceeding 35 mph, and speeding is a major issue on many roads.
- Distracted Driving: With widespread cell phone use behind the wheel, distracted driving has become a crisis endangering pedestrians crossing streets. Per California law, handheld phone use while driving is illegal.
- Poor Lighting: Many pedestrian injuries occur at night or in low visibility. Thousands of intersections and crosswalks in the city lack adequate lighting for pedestrians to be seen by motorists.
- Insufficient Signals & Signage: A lack of pedestrian signals, signage, and highly visible crosswalks leaves pedestrians unsure when it’s safe to cross busy streets. Advocates say upgrading this infrastructure must be prioritized.
Preventing pedestrian injuries requires a joint effort between the city to fund improvements, drivers to watch for walkers, and pedestrians to remain alert. With pedestrian safety central to their mission, Pasternack Injury Law Group urges San Diegans to look out for one another and make walking safe for all.
As a personal injury law firm advocating for the rights of pedestrians and bicyclists injured by vehicles, their attorneys insist immediate action must be taken to protect people walking San Diego’s streets.
The firm’s personal injury attorneys offer these important tips for enhancing pedestrian safety:
7 Pedestrian Safety Tips in San Diego, CA
- Be visible. Wear bright, reflective clothing or accessories anytime you’ll be walking near traffic. At night, use a flashlight or wear a headlamp facing forward to help drivers see you.
- Avoid distractions. Do not text, talk on the phone, or listen to music while crossing streets. Give the road your full attention so you can watch for turning vehicles.
- Make eye contact. Before stepping into the street, make eye contact with any nearby drivers to ensure they see you. Continue watching vehicles to look for anyone making turns across your path.
- Only cross at intersections. Avoid crossing mid-block where drivers do not expect pedestrians. Use intersections and marked crosswalks, obeying all pedestrian signals.
- Follow signals. Begin crossing only when you have the “walk” signal. Don’t start crossing if the “don’t walk” symbol is flashing, as you may not have time to make it safely across before traffic gets a green light.
- Watch carefully for turning vehicles. Be vigilant of vehicles in opposing lanes that may be making left or right turns across the crosswalk. Continually scan and check for turning cars, as a vehicle may inch forward trying to turn and strike pedestrians in the crosswalk.
- Watch for backing vehicles. In parking lots and residential areas, be alert for vehicles that may be backing out of parking spaces or driveways. Make eye contact with drivers before walking behind any vehicle.
If struck by a vehicle, pedestrians should seek prompt medical care, call the police, document the scene, get witness information, and contact a pedestrian accident lawyer to pursue compensation.
With years of experience securing compensation for injury victims across California, their firm stands ready to represent San Diego residents affected by someone else’s negligence.
For more information about pedestrian accidents or to schedule a consultation with Pasternack Injury Law Group in San Diego.
Visit their website at https://pasternackinjurylaw.com/.
About Pasternack Injury Law Group
Pasternack Injury Law Group provides compassionate legal advocacy for victims of negligence and recklessness. With a mission to obtain justice and maximum compensation for clients, this family-owned law firm offers aggressive representation to pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists injured by the carelessness of others.
Located in San Diego, Pasternack Injury Law Group leverages decades of experience across key practice areas, including auto accidents, premises liability, bicycle crashes, and pedestrian injuries. By undertaking thorough investigations, negotiating aggressively with insurance companies, and taking cases to trial when needed, the firm aims to ease the financial and emotional burdens clients face after suffering catastrophic injuries. Pasternack Injury Law Group is dedicated to holding negligent parties fully accountable and helping injured victims rebuild their lives.
