Touch-Free Crosswalks and Pedestrian Safety in the Age of Coronavirus

North County Injury Lawyers — Fri, 21 Aug 2020 13:55:19 GMT

Just because the coronavirus pandemic has shifted much thinking about safety in Southern California to issues of virus containment does not mean pedestrian safety and car accident prevention should lose consideration. Putting the two public health issues together—COVID-19 prevention and pedestrian safety—some cities in California have started to install touch-free crosswalk signals to ensure that pedestrians and bicyclists do not avoid using traffic safety signals in order to avoid risk of exposure to the coronavirus.

It is important for pedestrians and bicyclists to understand ways of staying safe and avoiding motor vehicle collisions, and it is also critical to understand how comparative fault can reduce a pedestrian or bicyclist’s damages award if they do not abide by traffic rules.

How Touch-Free Pedestrian and Bicyclist Signals can Help to Prevent Intersection Accidents

During a pandemic, it does not feel particularly safe to press the “walk” button at crosswalks. As a result, some pedestrians and bicyclists who are crossing the streets at intersections have decided to take their chances with traffic instead of worrying about touching a frequently used “walk” button that could place them at greater risk of contracting COVID-19. But of course, pedestrian and cyclist safety, like COVID-19, is also a public health concern, and it is important that coronavirus fears do not outweigh other safety issues.

To help prevent this problem, some California cities are installing touch-free pedestrian signals at expressway intersections, according to an article in the Patch. The sole purpose of these devices, according to the article, is to ensure that pedestrians and cyclists use these signals to make street crossing safer. Currently, particularly busy expressway intersections are the focus, but other intersections could also see a shift to touch-free signals if the coronavirus pandemic persists. Depending upon where California residents live, they may be able to request touch-free devices at particular intersections. Depending upon funding, those residents could see touch-free signals at those requested spots in the coming weeks or months.

Do Not Take Traffic Risks to Avoid Coronavirus Risks

Many California residents are weighing risks of coronavirus exposure with other public health risks. Yet it is critical to continue taking traffic safety seriously. If you do not use a “walk” signal and take your chances crossing the street against a “do not walk” signal, you might not be eligible to receive full damages for your losses if you are involved in a collision and file a claim against an at-fault driver.

California follows a “pure comparative fault” rule, which means injured plaintiffs can still recover damages if they are partially at fault. However, their damages are reduced by their percentage of fault. If a pedestrian or cyclist crosses the street against a “do not walk” sign merely to avoid pressing a button, the court ultimately could determine that the pedestrian or cyclist is partially at fault for the collision.

Contact a Vista Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Do you need assistance seeking compensation after a car accident or pedestrian collision? An experienced Vista pedestrian accident attorney can help. Contact the Walton Law Firm today to get started on your claim.

Child Car Accident Safety in Point Loma in the New Year

North County Injury Lawyers — Fri, 27 Jan 2017 19:59:08 GMT

In and around San Diego, there are a number of initiatives underway to help prevent accidents and child injuries in 2017. According to a fact sheet from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 12,000 children between the ages of 0 to 19 sustain fatal injuries each year in accidents. In addition to child fatalities, more than 9.2 million kids in the same age group sustain nonfatal injuries each year that result in treatment in emergency departments. Many of these incidents are preventable if we take safety precautions.

What steps are being taken around San Diego to help lower the number of child accidents and injuries? One recent report from The CW 6 San Diego indicates that new crosswalks have been installed around Point Loma schools, while another report from The CW 6 San Diego notes that a new car seat law in California aims to provide better protections to children under the age of two. What else do you need to know about recent safety steps and car accident precautions in the area?

Point Loma Crosswalk Aims to Prevent Child Pedestrian Accidents and Injuries

Last year, according to the news report, the city of San Diego City Council adopted a “Vision Zero” plan aimed at eliminating “all traffic deaths by 2025.” This plan includes developing pedestrian safety mechanisms, such as new crosswalks and signage throughout the city. In addition, the plan calls for “pedestrian countdown timers, audible pedestrian signals, street lighting, and flashing beacons to help make pedestrians and drivers more aware.”

One of the first steps in implementing the plan in 2017 involves the unveiling of a new, visible crosswalk behind Silver Gate Elementary School in Point Loma. It is particularly important to have visible crosswalks around schools where young children regularly cross the street and place themselves at risk of injury in a car accident. The CDC fact sheet indicates that traffic collisions are a leading cause of death for children between the ages of 5 and 19, which includes elementary-aged kids.

New California Law Targets Car Accident Injury Prevention in Young Children

In addition to preventing motor vehicle deaths in pedestrian accidents by installing visible crosswalks around schools and throughout San Diego, the state of California has also instituted a new car seat law for kids under two years old. As the report reveals, the new law is one of three motor vehicle laws in California designed to prevent child injuries and deaths. This particular new law requires that kids who are under two years old must be strapped into a rear-facing car seat. There are exceptions for kids who weigh 40 pounds or are at least 40 inches tall. Safety experts, according to the report, indicate that “kids are four times safer when sitting rear-facing,” and “the longer they are in that position the better.”

It is important for parents in San Diego County to pay attention to this new law and to seek assistance if they do not know how to properly install a rear-facing car seat. According to safety advocates in the area, about 95% of rear-facing car seats are improperly installed, limiting the safety features of the seat and its position.

Discuss Your Case with a San Diego Car Accident Lawyer

If you have questions about filing a car accident lawsuit, or if your child was injured in a motor vehicle collision, you may be able to file a claim for compensation. A San Diego car accident attorney can help. Contact the Walton Law Firm today.

(image courtesy of Rod Waddington from Kergunyah, Australia)

crosswalks - Walton Law Firm

Touch-Free Crosswalks and Pedestrian Safety in the Age of Coronavirus

Child Car Accident Safety in Point Loma in the New Year