Appropriate speed limits are an essential part of roadway safety, and busy intersections are a focal point for both a driver and a pedestrian’s right to safety. To help make the roads safer in Santa Clarita, a mission was started to reduce the speed limits in an area that a young boy’s life was taken too soon due to a dangerous intersection.
At the intersection of Bouquet Canyon road and Seco Canyon road, a driver sped through the red light and fatally struck 14 year- old Wyatt Savaike. Under California law, this type of violation is considered an accident and therefore a misdemeanor because the driver was not under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the crash.
It comes as no surprise that a major part of addressing road safety challenges involves intersections. In the United States, intersection crashes account for more than 1/5th of all crash fatalities nationally (U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration). Over the past 2 years, there have been 11 pedestrian fatalities in the Santa Clarita Valley, according to figures provided by the Los Angeles County’s Department of Public Works. Eight of those deaths occurred within the city of Santa Clarita itself.
Prior to the incident, red light cameras were removed from the intersection because the city could no longer financially fund the program. Yet, it seemed the cameras were helping according to a city analysis that showed a 67% decrease in annual collisions caused by vehicles running red lights.
Whether or not the accident could have been prevented by a lower speed limit, parents, safety officials and advocates are urged to utilize pedestrian safety resources that could improve the quality of life in and around their communities.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) offers some safety recommendations to prevent pedestrian deaths and injuries:
For Pedestrians:
- Walk on a sidewalk or path whenever they are available.
- Be alert at all times; don’t be distracted by electronic devices, including radios, smart phones and other devices that take your eyes (and ears) off the road environment.
- Never assume a driver sees you.
- Wear bright clothing during the day, and wear reflective materials or use a flash light at night.
- Avoid alcohol and drugs when walking; they impair your abilities and judgment, too.
For Drivers:
- Look out for pedestrians everywhere, at all times.
- Follow the speed limit, especially around pedestrians.
- Be especially vigilant for pedestrians in hard-to-see conditions, such as night time or in bad weather.
- Slow down and be prepared to stop when turning or otherwise entering a crosswalk.
- Never drive under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
Pedestrians involved in accidents often suffer serious and catastrophic injuries. The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker has been successfully handling serious and catastrophic injury claims for over 39 years.
Our skilled team of pedestrian accident attorneys is here to help when you need us. To schedule a free, confidential, no obligation consultation, send us an email using our case submission form or call us at (800) 333-0000. With The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker, you won’t be charged a dime if we don’t get you any money. We’ll fight for you!®
