This past weekend, a skateboarder was killed after being struck by a hit and run driver in the El Cerrito neighborhood of San Diego. San Diego Police Officers reported that one car swerved to avoid hitting the skateboarder, and then a second car ran over the skateboarder before driving off from the scene. The skateboarder died at the scene before he could be transported to a hospital.
As of Sunday, October 11th, Police were still searching for the driver who struck the skateboarder.
Unfortunately, pedestrian fatalities in California are all too common. In 2014, California had more pedestrian fatalities than any other state. Last year more than 700 pedestrians lost their lives as a result of motor vehicle collisions. California alone accounts for nearly 15 percent of the total pedestrian fatalities nationwide.
The State also accounted for the most pedestrian deaths in 2013. For both years, the state had just over 700 pedestrian deaths.
California also features an above-average percentage of motor vehicle fatalities involving pedestrians, as 23 percent of all motor vehicle fatalities involved pedestrians.
These statistics were published in a report from the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) which worked with state-level Departments of Transportation and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
The report also made some interesting findings regarding pedestrian fatalities:
- Nearly 70 percent of all pedestrian fatalities occur during the hours of 6pm and 6am, when it is difficult to see outside
- Nearly 70 percent of all victims were male
- More than 33 percent of all victims were intoxicated – in that their blood alcohol level was above the legal limit
- Speed was a critical factor – as the report found that pedestrians were three times as likely to pass away when struck by vehicles moving faster than 40 mph versus vehicles moving at 25 mph
- Age was also a factor – as pedestrian fatalities increased by 7.6 percent (from 2012 to 2013) for individuals aged 65 or older
- The report also stated that weather can impact pedestrian fatalities (with more fatalities coming in warmer months) and economics can impact pedestrian fatalities (with more walking in weaker economic times)
Please be cautious in crossing the street and use crosswalks.
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury in a pedestrian accident involving a motor vehicle accident, then a San Diego pedestrian accident attorney can help you avoid any potential pitfalls that might block or limit your recovery. For a free consultation with a San Diego personal injury attorney ready to help you protect your interests, please call Martinez & Schill LLP today at 619-512-5995, or email us at [email protected]