There has been a recent rise in pedestrian deaths, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Pedestrian deaths in 2011 totaled 4,432, up from 2009's tally of 4,109. Pedestrian injuries in 2011 totaled 69,000.
The increase in pedestrian deaths is being partially attributed to "distracted walking," which includes walking while texting, talking on a cell phone, or wearing headphones.
To combat the rise in pedestrian deaths, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is making available $2 million in safety grants to the top 22 cities with deaths far greater than the national average.
Santa Monica leads the state in the number of accidents involving pedestrians. The California Office of Traffic Safety ranked Santa Monica #1 (worst) for pedestrian accidents out of 104 California cities of similar size.
At McGee, Lerer & Associates, many of our clients are elderly pedestrian accident victims in Santa Monica. The elderly are more vulnerable to being hit by a car because overall, they move slower and their hearing and sight may be diminished.
Contact a personal injury lawyer at our Santa Monica firm if you have been injured in a pedestrian accident. We provide free consultations and are available 24/7.