Pedestrian vs. Vehicle Accidents: Why Glendale’s Layout Poses Unique Risks

In 2021, the City of Glendale embarked on an ambitious plan to make Glendale a more pedestrian-friendly city. Part of the plan included locating the most dangerous streets for pedestrians and determining why they have higher rates of pedestrian vs. vehicle accidents.

Without getting into the gritty details of the city’s number-crunching, they discovered that 40% of pedestrian injuries and fatalities occurred in 17 “high collision corridors” that make up just 2% of the city streets. What is it about these streets that make them so pedestrian-unfriendly?

Terrible Turns

The greatest number of incidents occurred at, surprisingly, intersections with signals. Right-turning and left-turning vehicles striking pedestrians are the two biggest kinds of accidents in the city’s list. The city proposed various fixes for these issues, but nothing can address the root causes of accidents, which is drivers not paying attention.

• Left turning drivers. Drivers turning left are often trying to beat the signal. In the rush to get through the intersection before the light changes, they may not see someone stepping off the curb. Pedestrians should wait a few seconds before moving into the intersection. Drivers should not try to “beat the light” and if they do, make sure the intersection is clear.

• Right turning drivers. California drivers can turn right on red if there is no oncoming traffic. This often means drivers are looking left, over their shoulders, when they turn right, just as a pedestrian steps into the crosswalk. Pedestrians should use extra caution if they see a driver moving closer to the curb. Drivers should train themselves to look right one more time before trying to turn right.

Coming Through

Drivers going through uncontrolled intersections and striking pedestrians mid-block at turn cut-outs are the next most frequent locations for pedestrian accidents. Three-way intersections with stop signs but no signals are especially hazardous.

Until the city installs signals at these intersections, pedestrians should take extra care when crossing at these locations. Mid-block crossing is not illegal for pedestrians, but in wide streets without median islands it is extremely hazardous. The city has plans to install medians at these locations, but pedestrians must use caution, especially at night or in rain.

Remember, having the right of way will not prevent serious injuries if a car hits you. Your attorney can help you in court, but not in the hospital.

School Zones

School zones are especially hazardous because of who is crossing the street. Children are difficult to see, and prone to running into the street even when it isn’t dangerous. Add dozens of cars and buses moving in and out, and school zones are death traps.

Juveniles between 10 and 14 and 15 and 19 are the two largest groups involved in pedestrian collisions. Between lack of awareness and distractibility, these groups need drivers to pay extra attention to make up for their own lack of it.

When a pedestrian takes on a car, there is only one winner. At Brand Law Group, we’re here to help you get the compensation you deserve after your accident. Contact us today to discuss your case.