Pedestrian safety is a crucial issue in every city. With an increasing number of vehicles on the road and a growing population, the risks of pedestrian accidents continue to rise. In Rancho Cucamonga, pedestrian crashes have been known to happen on a fairly regular basis. Here are a couple of recent examples:
- On January 3, 2023, an 84-year-old woman was killed after being struck by a vehicle at the 9500 block of Hamilton Street. The woman was walking on the north sidewalk when a car failed to see her and struck her. The driver was unharmed and remained on the scene to help the injured pedestrian before the responders arrived. Responders from the American Medical Response and Rancho Cucamonga Fire District transported the woman to a nearby hospital, where she was declared dead.
- On December 14, 2022, an 83-year-old pedestrian was killed after being struck by a car at the intersection of Vineyard Avenue and Foothill Boulevard. The man was hit by a vehicle driven by a 56-year-old Rancho Cucamonga man.
Accidents like these are often caused by high traffic volumes, complex traffic patterns, and inadequate infrastructure, all of which increase the likelihood that they will occur. Driver negligence also plays a major role in pedestrian crashes; and the three most common forms of negligence that result in pedestrian accidents are drunk driving, distracted driving, and speeding.
Drunk Driving Pedestrian Accidents
Drunk driving is a frequent cause of pedestrian crashes and crosswalk accidents as alcohol consumption can severely impair a driver’s ability to safely navigate the roads. In Rancho Cucamonga, as in many cities, drunk driving pedestrian accidents remain a critical concern for local residents and authorities.
When a driver is under the influence of alcohol, their reaction times are considerably slowed, and their cognitive abilities are diminished. As a result, they may struggle to recognize and respond to potential hazards, such as pedestrians crossing the street. Furthermore, alcohol can impair a driver’s ability to accurately judge distances and speeds, increasing the likelihood of a collision with a pedestrian.
In many cases, intoxicated drivers may also exhibit erratic driving behavior, such as swerving, sudden lane changes, or speeding, which can further endanger pedestrians.
Preventing drunk driving pedestrian accidents requires a multifaceted approach. Public awareness campaigns and educational programs can help inform drivers about the dangers of driving under the influence and encourage responsible behavior. Strict enforcement of DUI laws, including sobriety checkpoints and increased police presence in high-risk areas can also serve as a deterrent and help to identify and apprehend intoxicated drivers before they cause harm.
Distracted Driving Pedestrian Accidents
Distracted driving is another major contributor to pedestrian and crosswalk accidents in Rancho Cucamonga. Distractions can take various forms, but with the heightened use of smartphones and other electronic devices, their role in pedestrian crashes has increased substantially in recent years.
Distracted driving occurs when a driver’s attention is diverted from the primary task of operating a vehicle, compromising their ability to safely navigate the roads. There are three main types of distractions:
- Visual: Taking one’s eyes off the road.
- Manual: Removing one’s hands from the wheel.
- Cognitive: Focusing your mind on something other than driving.
Smartphones can encompass all three types of distractions, as drivers may look at their screens, handle their devices, and become mentally preoccupied with the content they are engaging with.
Texting while driving is a particularly dangerous form of smartphone use while driving as it involves all three types of distractions. When a driver sends or reads a text message, they divert their eyes from the road for an average of five seconds. At 55 miles per hour, this is equivalent to driving the entire length of a football field while blindfolded.
The risks associated with texting while driving are not limited just to sending and receiving messages. Even composing a message or reading an incoming text can significantly impair a driver’s ability to detect and respond to potential hazards, such as pedestrians crossing the street.
Watching videos on smartphones while driving is another hazardous activity that has gained prevalence in recent years. This form of distraction is visually and cognitively demanding as drivers must focus their attention on the video content while simultaneously attempting to navigate the roads. The risks associated with watching videos while driving are compounded by the fact that drivers often become engrossed in the content, making them less likely to recognize and respond to potential hazards in a timely manner.
To address the issue of distracted driving pedestrian accidents, a combination of public education, strict enforcement of laws against texting while driving and similar activities, and the development of technological solutions to minimize distractions is needed. Encouraging drivers to prioritize safety over convenience and entertainment can help reduce the incidence of these tragic incidents and make the streets safer for all.
Speeding Driver Pedestrian Accidents
Speeding affects pedestrian safety in several ways. First, it reduces a driver’s ability to react to unexpected situations, such as a pedestrian entering a crosswalk or stepping off the curb. When a driver is traveling at high speeds, their stopping distance increases, making it more difficult to come to a complete stop in time to avoid a collision. The faster a vehicle is traveling, the less time the driver has to perceive and react to potential hazards, such as pedestrians crossing the road.
Second, speeding increases the severity of injuries sustained by pedestrians in the event of a collision. Higher vehicle speeds result in a greater force of impact, which can lead to more severe and life-threatening injuries for pedestrians.
In addition to the direct consequences of speeding driver-pedestrian crashes, excessive speed can contribute to other dangerous driving behaviors as well. For instance, speeding drivers may be more likely to engage in various forms of aggressive or reckless driving, such as tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic, and running red lights or stop signs. This further increases the risk of an accident and can result in devastating consequences for the victims.
Common Injuries that Result from Rancho Cucamonga Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian and crosswalk accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, with some being more severe than others. These include:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): These injuries occur when a pedestrian’s head is struck by a vehicle or impacts the ground. TBIs can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage, leading to long-term cognitive impairments or even death.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: When a pedestrian is struck by a vehicle, the force of the impact can cause damage to the spinal cord, leading to temporary or permanent paralysis and loss of sensation below the level of injury.
- Broken Bones: The force of a collision can cause fractures to various bones in the body, including arms, legs, ribs, and facial bones. Recovery from broken bones may require surgery, immobilization, and extensive rehabilitation.
- Internal Injuries: The impact of a vehicle can cause damage to internal organs, such as the liver, kidneys, spleen, or lungs. These injuries can be life-threatening and often require immediate medical attention.
- Lacerations and Abrasions: Pedestrians involved in accidents may suffer cuts, scrapes, or deeper lacerations caused by contact with the vehicle, shattered glass, or the road surface. These injuries may require stitches or other medical treatment to prevent infection and promote healing.
- Emotional and Psychological Trauma: Being involved in a pedestrian accident can have lasting emotional and psychological effects, such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These issues may require counseling or other mental health support to aid in recovery.
Medical facilities in Rancho Cucamonga where injured pedestrians can go for treatment include:
- San Antonio Regional Hospital at 999 San Bernardino Rd, Upland, CA 91786.
Kaiser Permanente Rancho Cucamonga Medical Offices at 10850 Arrow Route, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730. - Arrowhead Regional Medical Center at 400 N Pepper Ave, Colton, CA 92324.
Kindred Hospital Rancho at 10841 White Oak Ave, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730.
Contact Our Experienced Rancho Cucamonga Crosswalk Accident Lawyer
Pedestrian and crosswalk accidents can have devastating consequences, resulting in serious injuries or even fatalities. If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian crash in Rancho Cucamonga, it is crucial to seek strong legal representation to ensure your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve.
The experienced attorneys at The Muhareb Law Group are committed to providing skilled legal guidance to those who have suffered injuries in pedestrian accidents. Contact us today at (909) 519-5832 for a free consultation to discuss your case.