San Diego City Officials working hand in hand with safety advocate groups

San Diego city officials working hand in hand with safety advocate groups want to eliminate all traffic deaths by 2025, including fatalities from pedestrian accidents and cyclist accidents. So far, they’re off to a decent start.

Eight of the fifteen intersections have been improved

Many recent pedestrian and bicyclist deaths occurred in what Circulate San Diego calls the “fatal fifteen” intersections, located mostly in downtown San Diego and emerging urban neighborhoods. Out of the intersections listed on Circulate San Diego’s 2017 list, eight of the fifteen have been improved with basic safety measures including visible crosswalks, audible crossing signals, and countdown signals.

California coming in first in US state bicyclist fatalities

Still, San Diego County had the seventh largest number of pedestrian deaths in 2016 (out of all counties in the US), according to a report from the Governors Highway Safety Association. Bicyclist fatalities are also high in the region, with California coming in first in US state bicyclist fatalities in 2016, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association.

City of San Diego’s “Vision Zero”

In an effort to reverse those trends, the City of San Diego’s “Vision Zero” strategy aims to eliminate all traffic fatalities and severe injuries based on the fact that most, if not all deaths and injuries from traffic accidents are preventable. The strategy uses a multidisciplinary collaboration between government entities and local safety groups to develop solutions.

However, news reports have indicated the City of San Diego is lagging behind other US cities that have signed onto the Vision Zero initiative. A report from the San Diego Union-Tribune noted that despite city council pledges to increase spending on crosswalks, pedestrian signals and other traffic improvements, the number of traffic-related fatalities still outpaced homicides in 2017, with nine pedestrians dying in vehicle collisions in the first two months of this year alone.

San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer

In a response to the Union-Tribune report, San Diego mayor Kevin Faulconer said, “The city is making data-driven investments in crosswalks, bike lanes and other upgrades to improve safety for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians. We’re looking forward to the results of a new crash analysis later this year to help inform those decisions going forward.”

Until that analysis is complete and Vision Zero-related funds are properly allocated, it might be safer to avoid intersections on Circulate San Diego’s 2018 “fatal fifteen” list:

1. University Ave. & 52nd St., City Heights
2. 6th Ave. & Broadway, Downtown
3. El Cajon Blvd. & 36th St., North Park
4. 4th Ave. & B St., Downtown
5. Coronado Ave. & Thermal Ave., Nestor/Egger Highlands
6. 5th Ave. & B St., Downtown
7. Euclid Ave. & Naranja St., Encanto
8. Broadway & 5th Ave., Downtown
9. 10th Ave. & A St., Downtown
10. 4th Ave. & Market St., Downtown
11. Front St. & Ash St., Downtown
12. University Ave. & 4th Ave., Hillcrest
13. 11th Ave. & Broadway, Downtown
14. Market St. & 6th Ave., Downtown
15. El Cajon Blvd. & 33rd St., Normal Heights

Proving fault in accidents

However, vehicle collisions with pedestrians or bicycles can happen anywhere, and while it might be reasonable to assume that the vehicle driver will be found at fault, that is not always the case. Unless there is video footage, credible eyewitnesses, or foolproof technical data to back up the victim’s claims, proving fault in any accident is more difficult than it seems.

Vehicle/pedestrian or vehicle/bicyclist collisions in San Diego

If you or someone you love has been involved in a vehicle/pedestrian or vehicle/bicyclist collision in San Diego, the best way to get full compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses is to consult with an experienced accident attorney. At Bates Law, we specialize in personal injury and accident cases, and we’re dedicated to getting you the settlement you deserve so you can focus on your recovery.

Give us a call for a free consultation at (619) 222-0900.