According to a letter from the commissioner from the Departments of Transportation, the issue related to the lack of regard from motorists and riders toward pedestrians and bicycle riders is a sad reality.
He states that improved sidewalks, well maintained and better marked crosswalks, improved intersections with sharper signals, accessible space to the mobility impaired etc, will make the difference in the fight against the staggering number of accidents related to vehicle versus pedestrians and bikers.
The report from the commissioner also revealed that last year in New Jersey alone, 13 bicyclists and 141 pedestrians have been struck and allegedly killed by cars or trucks on various New Jersey roads. An even sadder number if we consider the fact that five out of these 112 fatalities were under the age of 18.
Adopting local initiatives to eradicate this elevated number of accidents is a noble act but it must be focused on education.
As a Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, I urge all drivers to learn about road safety and what you can do to make your community a safer place for bicyclists and pedestrians.
In the case you find yourself fighting in a bicycle versus accident, remember to have a professional personal injury lawyer assisting you with your case.