Dana Point Car Accidents Linked to Traffic Congestion

Dana Point in Orange County, California is a seaside resort town of nearly 40,000 people. It's also a gateway to Doheny State Park, one of California's most popular beach facilities. That usually means lots of tourists unfamiliar with roads and traffic--particularly during the summer months. Result: Dana Point car accidents are bound to occur.

"It's the typical story: Distracted motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians run into each other in a town with narrow streets and not enough parking," noted John Bisnar of BISNAR | CHASE Consumer Attorneys. "From 2001 to 2003, Dana Point had five car fatalities, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That works out to1.4 fatal accidents per 10,000 people, which was lower than the U.S. norm."

Dana Point car accident statistics reported by the California Highway Patrol's Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS) showed that in 2006, two people died and 94 were injured in Dana Point car crashes. DUIs were responsible for one fatality and 22 injuries. In addition, four pedestrians were injured in city accidents. Dana Point bicycle collisions killed two and injured six. Dana Point motorcycle crashes injured seven.

To cut down on car collisions, Dana Point recently rolled out a two-way traffic plan for its downtown section. Featuring big changes for Del Prado and Pacific Coast Highway, the plan includes a variety of public improvements designed to turn Dana Point's downtown streets into pedestrian friendly promenades. The mile-long stretch through the heart of Dana Point also includes plans for wider sidewalks. Renovations are expected to start in 2010.

Dana Point Police even employed a popular traffic control resource often used in beach and resort towns--bike patrol volunteers. These quick-response units are ideal for patrolling the Dana Point Harbor area for parking violations and high-profile citizen assistance. The volunteers even help with traffic control at major city events, patrolling the city's beaches and parks, and helping to enforce parking regulations.

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.