No matter where you live and drive, road safety helps you and your community stay safe. Motor vehicle accidents happen frequently, but knowledge can reduce your chances of falling victim to a serious crash.
A close look at circumstances in and around Oakland reveals some critical information about traffic safety.
An overview of Oakland traffic conditions
According to the City of Oakland website, two severe motor vehicle crashes occur in the city each week. These collisions result in either serious injury or a fatality.
Several roadways and intersections have a higher rate of crashes than others. Just 6% of street locations result in 60% of injuries requiring medical treatment, or death. The distribution of these “high injury corridors” happen in neighborhoods that have one or more of the following characteristics:
- High rates of poverty
- High rates of walking or public transportation usage
- Communities of color or non-English speaking
- High rates of people with disabilities
A look at accident causes
Drivers exceeding the posted speed limits of the city play a role in about 25% of fatal car crashes. Left turns also result in many serious accidents, while right turns at intersections cause significantly fewer accidents. A high percentage of accidents occur at intersections.
In a city with so many walkers and users of public transportation, pedestrian deaths remain quite high. Drivers who fail to stop for someone in a crosswalk cause roughly 33% of pedestrian deaths and serious injuries.
If you suffer an injury in an auto accident, it is important to know your rights. Understanding your legal options could improve the recovery process.
