The California Highway Patrol have noted a significant increase in the number of pedestrian injuries over the past few years. Why are these numbers increasing and where do Mission Viejo pedestrian injury accidents happen?
Pedestrian accidents can happen in many places, from the sidewalk along a busy street to the parking lot of a grocery store. Pedestrian accident statistics include those who are injured while riding their bicycles in Mission Viejo, Irvine or anywhere in Southern California.
In order to reduce pedestrian accidents both drivers and pedestrians must increase safe practices. Many pedestrians are looking at their cell phone trying to find directions or texting when they inadvertently step into the path of an oncoming vehicle. Drivers, also, may be distracted. The holiday season is filled with distraction and the hustle and bustle of increased shopping and errands.
Drivers and pedestrians alike have a lot on their mind. The simple act of walking back to your car in the parking lot at the store or legally crossing the street without observing approaching traffic can quickly result in a pedestrian accident resulting in serious injuries.
Why are pedestrian injury numbers increasing and where do Mission Viejo pedestrian injury accidents happen? It may surprise you to know many accidents actually occur when a pedestrian isn’t actually in a crosswalk. Many people believe pedestrians are injured while jaywalking, or darting out from between parked cars. While a few Mission Viejo pedestrian injury accidents occur in this manner, most are actually the result of a distracted driver and occur in common places such as parking lots, commercial drive ways and at intersections.
Pedestrians, bicyclists and drivers alike are distracted by music, cell phone use or simply the “to-do list” in their own thoughts.
Take a moment when you are leaving a store to take an extra look before crossing the parking lot to your car. As a driver, we should silence our cell phones and place them out of reach. Slow down while approaching an intersection to avoid casually rolling into the crosswalk where a pedestrian may unexpectedly step into the path of your vehicle.
If you are injured as a pedestrian or on a bicycle we invite you to contact us or call 949-305-1400 for a free consultation today.
