Corona Takes Action to Reduce Car Accidents at Hazardous Intersections

Corona car accident lawyers are well aware that the popular Inland Empire city, has undergone significant growth fueled by the recent housing boom. Unfortunately, this growth has come with a price: increased traffic and an unwelcome rise in car accidents.

Corona Police revealed the following alarming statistics for Corona car accident collisions. In 2005, 1,729 car accidents resulted in 555 injuries; in 2006, car collisions rose to 1,893, resulting in 543 injuries; in 2007, car accidents fell to 1,134, resulting in 294 injuries (this decline was more than likely due to drivers cutting down on trips because of escalating gasoline prices).

"Many cities in the Southland have experienced a troublesome increase in car accidents," noted John Bisnar. "Stepped up enforcement of traffic laws and more driver education programs can help reduce these car collisions."

As in most cities, Corona's intersections have seen many car accidents: In 2005, 591 car crashes resulted in 189 injuries; In 2006, 782 car accidents caused 315 injuries; In 2007, 427 car collisions ended in163 injuries (as previously noted, high gas prices reduced the number of car trips). These statistics can be added to those presented by California Highway Patrol's Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), which revealed that in 2006, Corona DUI collisions killed seven and injured 76. Three pedestrians lost their lives and 28 were injured in city traffic accidents. And one motorcyclist was killed and 41 were injured.

Taking proactive steps to bring down Corona's car accidents and fatalities, the city took a closer look at red-light camera technology. Half of the 18 traffic fatalities occurring since 2005 took place in Corona's intersections. And over 33 percent of the city's car accidents were attributed to red-light violators. In fact, as recently as 2006, Corona police issued more than 15,000 traffic tickets, 543 for red-light violations.

The city agreed that red-light cameras offered a viable solution to inform and alter driver behavior. So the devices were proposed for several dangerous city intersections. These included Sixth and Main, Rimpau and Magnolia, and Ontario and Lincoln. Some residents indicated that the intersection at Taber and State Street was also dangerous. State street, in particular was a concern, since motorists often exceeded its posted 20 mph speed limit.

"Red-light runners and other traffic scofflaws routinely endanger their lives and the lives of others," noted John Bisnar. "In a city where 543 drivers were cited for running red lights, action must be taken to reduce the danger of future car accidents."

Corona acted quickly and implemented a red-light camera enforcement program. The cameras went up at North McKinley Street and Griffin Way, Cajalco Road and Grand Oaks, Ontario and California, and Magnolia and Rimpau. Plans are in motion to add as many as five more cameras at other locations throughout the city.

Be on the Hit-and-Run Lookout

BISNAR | CHASE, in conjunction with WeTip, a leading anonymous crime reporting service and law enforcement advocacy non-profit organization, is launching a program intended to wipe out hit-and-runs in the state of California by offering rewards for tips leading to the arrest and felony conviction of hit-and-run drivers. See Hit-and-Run Reward for more details.

BISNAR | CHASE 2006-2010 Super Lawyers names outstanding lawyers from more than 60 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. BISNAR | CHASE has received this award for five consecutive years. Brian Chase was named one of the 2010 Top 50 Orange County Lawyers.