Philadelphia Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Discuss New Safety Initiatives

In an effort to improve the safety of pedestrians and bicyclists across the country, the U.S. Department of Transportation has announced its Safer People, Safer Streets Initiative that is taking place nationwide over the next 18 months. As more and more people choose to walk and bike to work, school, and social engagements, studies by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) report an increase in serious and fatal injuries involving those sharing the road with automobiles. In fact, pedestrian and bicyclist accidents account for over 16 percent of all traffic accidents and fatalities.

U.S. Transportation secretary, Anthony Foxx, is spearheading the campaign that will create safer streets for all those traveling on foot or by bicycle. Through collaboration with transportation agencies that will perform safety assessments, local governments challenged to create new legislation and provide community safety training, and with input from the public, Fox hopes to make our roadways, highways, and transit stations safe for all those on foot or on two wheels.

According to a study conducted by the NHTSA, there has been a significant increase in the amount of people choosing alternatives to automobiles. Trends in bicycling, walking, ride sharing, and electronic modes of transportation such as the Segway, hoverboards, and skateboards show steady increases over the past five years. In fact, in 2012, 40 percent of those surveyed reported that they were cycling more than they had in 2011, and 14 percent said that they had increased their walking.

Another interesting trend is in the amount of teenagers and young adults choosing alternative methods of transportation. Whether it is a response to environmental concerns; the increasing costs associated with gas, insurance, maintenance of personal automobiles; or the availability of public transportation, the car ownership and licensing rates in this age group are the lowest reported in the past two decades.

While increases in pedestrian and bicyclist transportation have many health and environmental advantages, the risk for serious injury and even fatal injury increases as more people take to the roadways without a car. According to the NHTSA report, pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities rose to almost 6,000 in t 2012, which was the highest rate in five years. Close to an additional 100,000 people were injured that same year.

Along with the DOT and NHTSA, other federal transportation agencies participating in the Safer People, Safer Streets Initiative include the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), Federal Motor Carriers System Administration (FMCSA), and the Federal Railroad Administration. Each federal agency will work in their area of transportation specialty to improve pedestrian and bicyclist safety across the country.

Philadelphia Pedestrian Accident Lawyers at DiTomaso Law Help Victims of Bicycle and Pedestrian Accidents Claim Compensation

If you have been injured in a pedestrian or bicycle accident, the highly skilled team of Philadelphia pedestrian accident lawyers at DiTomaso Law can help you claim the compensation you may be entitled to by law. We are dedicated to providing you with sound legal counsel and representation to hold those responsible for your injuries liable.

Call us in Philadelphia at 215-426-4493, or in Cherry Hill at 856-414-0010, or contact us online to schedule a consultation today. We serve clients in Pennsylvania and southern New Jersey including Philadelphia County, Bucks County, Montgomery County, Chester County, Delaware County, Camden County, Burlington County, and Atlantic County.