The California Highway Patrol reported that a pedestrian died in a fatal accident on the night of July 9, 2019 near 68th Avenue and Power Inn Road.
Investigators said that the pedestrian was attempting to cross Power Inn Road directly in the line of travel and was struck by a Ford Escape. Southbound lanes were closed for about an hour due to the crash but eventually reopened.
The pedestrian was engaged in conversation along the sidewalk of Power Inn Road and unexpectedly walked into the road. The driver of the Ford was unable to stop and hit the pedestrian.
The driver was not under the influence of drugs or alcohol and stayed on the scene to work with officers. The driver was found not to be at fault.
The identity of the victim was not yet released.
Pedestrian Safety
According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), pedestrians are 1.5 times more likely than a passenger vehicle occupant to be killed in a car crash on each trip. Pedestrian deaths have become such an issue in some states, that they are making laws against distracted pedestrians in crosswalks.
Those found to be most at risk for this type of accident are older adults, children, and drivers and pedestrians who are intoxicated or impaired. Pedestrians who are over 65 years of age accounted for 20% of pedestrian deaths in 2016 and an estimated 15% in 2015. One in every five children under 15 years old were killed in traffic crashes with pedestrians in 2016. And of these statistics, nearly half that resulted in pedestrian deaths involved alcohol for the driver or pedestrian.
Overwhelmingly, pedestrian fatalities came in single car accidents and usually around dusk and nighttime. They were also a little more prevalent on weekends than weekdays. This makes sense because drivers’ visibility is decreased as the sun goes down and then at night. On weekends, people are out and about and more likely to drink. Pedestrians need to take extra care to be visible and aware of their surroundings just as drivers do.
How can pedestrians protect themselves from injury and death in car accidents?
1. Increase visibility at night by carrying a flashlight when walking or by wearing reflective clothing. Increasing visibility will notify oncoming traffic far in advance of their approach to allow for additional reaction time.
2. Cross the street at a designated crosswalk or intersection. Oftentimes, these are lighted at night or have warning signs in advance for drivers. Crossing a dark street doesn’t give the oncoming driver any warning and because of reduced visibility, they will likely not have any time to stop.
3. Walk on the sidewalk or a path. If a sidewalk or path is not available, walk on the shoulder facing traffic.
California has one of the higher rates of pedestrian fatalities per state. Interestingly enough, California has both the low (13 in Fresno) and high (315) in Los Angeles of traffic fatalities. Los Angeles was second in pedestrian fatalities with 130.
If you or a loved one have been in a traffic collision or pedestrian accident, you may be entitled to medical bills and lost wages. Even if you were walking outside of the crosswalk, you may still have rights due to a negligent driver.
We offer free case evaluations over the phone, email, and through our website. You can reach us at (916) 619-5452 or find our case evaluation form on the website.
