Road infrastructure often sets the stage for pedestrian accidents – which may involve poorly implemented signs, signals, or lack of visible crosswalks. The habits of motorists (distractions, speeding, impaired driving) are the leading causes of pedestrian accidents in Washington and throughout the United States.
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) reports that from 2010-2016, The City of Vancouver had the highest number of pedestrian accidents statewide. During that period, there were 400 pedestrian accidents, 26 of which were fatal.
What’s driving Vancouver’s high rate of pedestrian accidents?
The Transportation System Safety Analysis (TSSA) scrutinized the intersection of Mill Plain Boulevard and Chkalov Road as being one of the most dangerous intersections in the City of Vancouver for pedestrians. According to drivers and pedestrians, the intersection of Mill Plain Boulevard and Chkalov Road is also one of the busiest and most congested.
“It’s the lighting systems and the fact that it’s never enforced. No one’s paying attention,” according to a Vancouver, WA resident.
TSSA reports that there have been 80 traffic accidents located at or near the intersection of Mill Plain and Chkalov from 2010-2016 – resulting in five deaths. Seven of those crashes involved pedestrians.
The traffic signal that regulates the intersection allows pedestrians 25 seconds to cross nine lanes. That may be enough time for pedestrians who are able to move fast enough, but it may not be enough to accommodate the elderly or pedestrians with disabilities.
Other intersections that were noted as being dangerous for pedestrians included Mill Plain and 164th Street (which had 52 crashes, 3 fatalities, and involved 7 pedestrians), and Fourth Plain and Anderson Road (which had 78 crashes, 3 fatalities, and involved 6 pedestrians).
Changes that must be made
City officials want to reduce the rate of pedestrian accidents throughout Vancouver, WA and Clark County. In conjunction with Target Zero (a Vision Zero initiative), police are cracking down on drivers who fail to yield to pedestrians.
While poorly designed intersections may sometimes be a factor in causing pedestrian accidents, drivers who fail to uphold their duties to obey traffic signals, follow the speed limit, and keep a proper lookout must also be held accountable.
If you were struck by a negligent driver while crossing the street, before you talk to the other driver’s insurance company, it’s important you consult with an experienced personal injury attorney who can protect your legal rights. An experienced personal injury lawyer can maximize your recovery and seek compensation for things like past and future medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages to which you may be entitled under the law. Here at The Scott Law Firm, PLLC we have experience helping pedestrians recover significant financial compensation following an accident with a negligent motorist.
To learn more about your legal rights following a pedestrian accident, contact us today!