According to the California Department of Public Health, about 19 percent of traffic fatalities involved pedestrians. The Safe Transportation Research & Education Center more recently puts that number at 22 percent. Additional data shows these pedestrian deaths to be about 58 percent more than the national average. The department is working with other state organizations in an effort to improve safety on the roads for these vulnerable citizens. Ongoing challenges remain a concern. However, agencies and experts are working tirelessly to overcome them and achieve their safety goals.
From the perspective of the average Chico resident, efforts such as task force development and data analysis may sound helpful. But the reality for the family who loses a loved one because a car driver lost control and jumped a curb is that they have lost a loved one. Their altered lives and how they will survive are the issues uppermost on their minds.
Recovery in these instances is multi-fold. Emotionally, each family member will handle things differently. The support of an advocate who understands can be helpful – if only by easing the strain of financial worry.
Most folks realize that needs often exceed the monetary. Providing a means of accountability can be the balm to the spirit that might allow real recovery to take place. Pain and suffering is very real. People who experience it because of someone else’s negligence or error are entitled to seek compensation as a means to feel that they have at least done something on behalf of their loved one.
Source: Berkely University, “Ongoing Challenges with Pedestrian Safety Data” Dec. 04, 2014
