For years, California has remained a dangerous state for pedestrians, with a 70% increase in fatalities in the last decade, according to the California County News. Among each county, San Francisco County tops California's pedestrian accident list, with 49.35% of the state's pedestrian fatalities happening there.
San Francisco traffic data shows that this year, out of 21 traffic fatalities reported, 14 were pedestrian fatalities. This statistic underscores the serious risks pedestrians face daily in San Francisco, where congested streets, driver negligence, and inadequate safety measures contribute to these tragic outcomes.
A pedestrian could suffer many injuries during an accident, especially with a car, SUV, or commercial truck. Even at slow speeds, a motor vehicle can cause multiple broken bones, internal bleeding, traumatic brain injuries, paralysis, and death, among other catastrophic injuries. You can learn more about common pedestrian accident injuries here.
Ways For San Francisco Pedestrians To Stay Safe
Taking proactive steps to ensure your safety can help reduce the risk of accidents. Pedestrians should always remain alert and cautious, especially in busy areas of San Francisco. Consider the following pedestrian safety tips:
- Use Designated Crosswalks: Always cross streets at marked crosswalks or intersections where drivers expect pedestrians.
- Stay Visible: Wear bright or reflective clothing, especially at night or in low-light conditions, to increase your visibility to drivers.
- Avoid Distractions: Keep your attention on your surroundings. Refrain from using phones or other devices while walking near traffic.
- Follow Traffic Signals: Wait for the appropriate pedestrian signal before crossing, even if the street appears clear.
- Make Eye Contact with Drivers: Before crossing in front of a vehicle, make eye contact with the driver to ensure they see you.
- Walk Facing Traffic: When there are no sidewalks, walk on the side of the road facing oncoming traffic to stay aware of approaching vehicles.
By following these precautions, pedestrians can minimize the risk of accidents and protect themselves from harm. California residents should also stay informed of pedestrian right-of-way laws.
Injured? Contact Top San Francisco Pedestrian Accident Attorneys
San Francisco is known for its beautiful, walkable neighborhoods and iconic landmarks. As a law firm deeply rooted in this city, we appreciate all it has to offer, but we also understand the unique dangers pedestrians face daily. Whether in bustling shopping centers, crowded parking lots, or quiet driveways, pedestrian accidents can occur wherever vehicles and people intersect.
Drivers are responsible for remaining alert and aware of their surroundings, but when they fail to do so, the consequences for pedestrians can be devastating. If you’ve been seriously injured in a pedestrian accident, it’s crucial to contact an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible. At Bostwick & Peterson, LLP, our San Francisco attorneys have decades of experience advocating for accident victims, and we are committed to helping you pursue justice and secure the total compensation you deserve.
You may be entitled to compensation if you or a loved one has been injured as a pedestrian in a traffic or premises accident. Our San Francisco personal injury attorneys at Bostwick & Peterson, LLP, have decades of experience fighting for victims. We can help you fight for a full financial recovery, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.