Personal InjuryLa Palma Car Accident Rate Holds the Line
A number of La Palma car accident attorneys admit that car collisions in this small community of 16,000 people do occur. Still, in 2007, La Palma in northern Orange County, California was ranked as the 16th best place to live among small cities (50,000 or less) in the U.S. by Money Magazine. And reducing car accidents is one of the city's top priorities.
La Palma Fatal Car Crashes Below National Average
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, from 2001 to 2003, La Palma suffered three fatal car collisions--at 1.9 fatal car crashes per 10,000 people, it was below the national average.
In 2006, the California Highway Patrol's Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS) showed that 63 people were injured in La Palma car crashes. Two pedestrians, five bicyclists and two motorcyclists were injured here. DUI crashes caused eight injuries. Ask any La Palma car accident lawyer, this is a proactive city when it comes to improving the safety of its streets.
La Palma Car Collisions Held in Check by Active Traffic Enforcement
For starters, the city set up a red-light camera at the intersection of La Palma Avenue and Walker Street. According to Stop On Red, Orange County, a nonprofit coalition of hospital trauma centers, emergency nurses associations, law enforcement, and red-light running victims, Orange County came in number 2 statewide in red-light fatal car collisions. Statistics show that red-light runners cause the majority of urban car crashes.
La Palma's lower than average car collision fatality rate can also be linked to DUI and Driver's License Checkpoints--set up along La Palma Avenue and Valley View Street. These sobriety checkpoints also serve to educate the public on the dangers of impaired driving, and to encourage the use of sober designated drivers. A number of La Palma car collision lawyers will tell you that DUI checkpoints contribute to safer streets.
National DUI Fatal Car Crashes Raise Concerns
On a national scale, DUI tragedies are most troubling. A total of 13,470 people died in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes in 2006--or one DUI death every 39 minutes. Sadly, that same year, 306 children age 14 and younger lost their lives in drunk driving collisions. Children riding in cars with drivers who had a BAC level of .08 or greater constituted to half (153) of these deaths. Motorcycle operators and light truck drivers were involved in the highest number of fatal DUI crashes.
La Palma car crash lawyers agree that DUI checkpoints and red-light cameras, when used appropriately can save lives and prevent injuries. Many of their clients have suffered needlessly as a result of negligent or irresponsible motorists who drink and drive.
Immediately call an experienced and reputable Orange County Car Accident Lawyer for a free consultation at 1-800-561-4887 or contact the BISNAR | CHASE Newport Beach personal injury attorneys. Read more about car accidents in Orange County at the Orange County Car Accident Digest.
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