In Washington D.C., A Recent Increase In Pedestrian Deaths
There have been reports of a recent rise in pedestrian deaths in the Washington D.C. area. While 17 pedestrians were killed on D.C. roads during all of 2006, four pedestrians were killed within one week alone in early February. By February 12, five pedestrians fatalities in D.C. had already been noted for 2007:
· Metropolitan Police say one pedestrian was killed on February 11 when he was hit by a Maryland man driving a 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor. The victim appeared to be drunk and crossed the street outside the crosswalk.
· Another pedestrian, J’lin Tyler, a 6-year-old elementary school student, was killed after he ran into the street and was hit by a Jeep Cherokee on February 9.
· On February 7, a man went to the Third Street Tunnel entrance to help a driver whose tractor-trailer was too tall to go through the tunnel without guidance. As the driver put the truck into reverse, the man, who was directing the driver, moved into the way of a cement truck and was fatally struck.
· Another man, Gary Scott Phillips, was crossing New Hampshire Avenue, NW, on February 3 when a man riding a bicycle hit him. Phillips died as a result of the accident.
· On January 16, Carla Gonzales, 24, ran in front of a Metrobus, which struck and killed her on 16th Street NW.
In 2004, 10 pedestrians were killed in the Washington D.C. area. 16 pedestrians died in 2005.
Washington D.C. Mayor Adrian M. Fenty says that his administration is working on a Pedestrian Master Plan, which will identify the improvements that are necessary to the District’s crosswalks, sidewalks, refuge islands, and countdown signals.
While pedestrian error is a common cause of pedestrian injures and fatalities, driver error can also lead to pedestrians getting hurt or being killed on the road.
Examples of Common Driver Errors Leading To Pedestrian Injuries Or Deaths:
· Ignoring a crosswalk, the signal on a traffic light, or a pedestrian crossing sign
· Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
· Disregarding a traffic light or a pedestrian walk sign
· Not paying attention to a pedestrian that is crossing the road, whether or not they are in a designated crossing area
· Not paying attention while driving by a stopped school bus to see whether children might be preparing to cross the street or get off or on the bus
A pedestrian struck by a car, motorcycle, truck, SUV, or other kind of moving vehicle can sustain serious injuries and possibly even be killed in an accident. When a driver’s negligence leads to a pedestrian injury or death, the driver may be held liable for the injuries or wrongful death through a personal injury claim filed on behalf of the victim or their loved ones.
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Jack D. Lebowitz
Vadim A. Mzhen
