Most everyone at this point knows that distracted driving is a serious issue. It is being blamed for the significant spike in car accidents and as a result, lawmakers have taken steps to reduce how often it happens. However, other reports have shown that there’s one big part of the puzzle that lawmakers may be missing: The increase in pedestrian accidents due to people being distracted while walking through crosswalks.
As a result, one California official has suggested a change to the law that makes it illegal to use a crosswalk while using a phone. Should this pass? Is it likely to pass? That remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure: There are many car accidents and pedestrian accidents every day. If you’ve been the victim of one then we recommend you contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 right away for a free legal consultation.
Pedestrian accidents are on the rise
One report shows that the rate of pedestrian accidents related to distracted walkers requires a law to prohibit them from doing so. The proposed law would prevent a person from legally looking at their phone to send a text, search the internet, etc. It’s true that cars are supposed to stop for anyone on the street, this isn’t always the case. Even if a car would likely eventually be found at fault, pedestrians must still be aware of their surroundings and should protect themselves by putting their phone down while crossing the street.
About one in four California accident involves pedestrian
Some people wonder just how serious this issue really is. To put it in perspective, consider that 25% of collisions with cars in California involve a pedestrian – and that percentage has been on the rise. As more people stare at their phones instead of looking at the street, laws may be necessary so that police officers can cite pedestrians who aren’t paying attention.
How can you fight this problem?
One recent magazine article stated that about 5,000 people die in pedestrian accidents yearly, and more than 75,000 injured as pedestrians. Experts agree that distracted walking is part of the problem and the fact that it’s growing. Believe it or not, California wouldn’t be the first state to make changes like this. New Jersey has a ban on texting while walking. The best thing you can do to prevent this issue is to not be on your phone while you’re walking and, as a driver, being aware of pedestrians around you.
If you’ve been injured as a pedestrian then you need to talk to a personal injury attorney. Reach out to Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 today for a free legal consultation. We are ready to listen to your case, offer our advice, and take the case on a contingency basis. This means that if we decide to work together, you won’t pay us a cent until we win your case. Call now to get started.
