Fast-Growing Fontana Sees Increase in Car Accidents

Fontana car accident lawyers saw the 2008 population topping out at over 188,000 and also saw a commensurate rise in car accidents. According to 2006 data from the California Highway Patrol Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), Fontana had 17 car accident deaths (compared to 14 in 2004) and 697 car accident-related injuries. Drunk drivers were responsible for 10 fatalities and 66 injuries. Motorcycle accidents killed one and injured 31.

The stretch of Route 66 from Fontana to San Bernardino has gained notoriety as being extremely dangerous. Considered part of Fontana, portions of Foothill Boulevard (as residents call it) have suffered from poor lighting, no sidewalks and infrequent stoplights. Many motorists often exceed the posted 55 mph speed limit.

In November 2002, the Surface Transportation Policy Project, a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit organization, dubbed Foothill the seventh-most dangerous road in the United States for pedestrians. The owner of a restaurant near Foothill and Sultana Avenue recalled how he had witnessed several pedestrians die on Foothill. The restaurant itself was even struck by cars as many as four times.

In assuaging public concern over these accidents, a City Councilman said that the closure of two bars, two adult bookstores and a "run-down" apartment complex have made things safer. More curbs, sidewalks, additional lighting and stoplights will also help reduce the number of accidents. The north side of Foothill from East to Cherry avenues has already been improved.

"This is a road that begs for better traffic enforcement," observed John Bisnar. "Stop signs, reduced speed limits and better lighting should all be considered to make this stretch of road safer."

Also dangerous is Sunrise/West Liberty Parkway, due to its multiple curves, and speeders cutting its corners. Huntmaster/Mustang has also seen its share of car accidents due to increased traffic, speeding motorists who cut across the curve, and kids playing in the street. Still another hazard is the intersection at Liberty and Banana--there's no sign alerting motorists that traffic does not stop.

To cut down on the number of car accidents, Fontana police were highly visible last December. Their DUI/Safety checkpoint cited drivers for various offenses, impounded cars and arrested violators. The officers conducted the checkpoint from 6 p.m. Saturday to 1 a.m. Sunday at Sierra Avenue, just south of Athol Street. More than 1,800 cars passed through the checkpoint and 119 were stopped. Officers made five DUI arrests, arrested six for outstanding warrants and resisting arrest, and impounded 64 vehicles.

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.