Lakewood Car Accidents Fall As Driver Behaviors Improve

Lakewood car accident lawyers tell you this "instant city" experienced a rapid transition from lima bean fields in 1950 to a full-fledged city by 1960, struggled with its share of traffic injuries and fatalities.

"Lakewood, with its 82,000 residents, has experienced a somewhat lower car accident rate than most cities," noted nationally recognized car accident attorney John Bisnar.

The California Highway Patrol's Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS) reported in 2006 that two people were killed and 263 people were injured in Lakewood car crashes. DUI car collisions resulted in one death and 18 injuries. A total of 26 pedestrians and 15 bicyclists were injured. And motorcycle accidents resulted in one fatality and 11 injuries.

In an effort to cut down on its car accident rate, Lakewood traffic enforcement deputies zeroed in on the poor driving habits of its motorists. The results were impressive. In 2008, Lakewood had fewer car accidents. In fact, through November 30, 2008, non-injury car accidents dropped 22 percent, injury collisions fell four percent, and total car collisions declined more than 18 percent.

Car accident statistics for all of 2008 reveal an even steeper drop in all three car accident categories. The Lakewood's "Traffic Enforcement Index," which measures hazardous citations and injury collisions, was just above 30. The target is to achieve an index in the 20s--which the city surpassed in 2008.

A study released by Carnegie-Mellon University in 2007, uncovered a number of interesting car accident statistics. There are 1.35 male deaths as opposed to 0.77 female deaths for every 100 million miles driven. Males aged 16-23 are also four times more likely to be involved in a fatal car accident than the average driver. Male drivers are 77 percent more likely to die in a car accident than women. This, owing to their immaturity and lack of inexperience, which makes them prone to speeding, and more likely to drive while under the influence. Elderly women are 60 percent more likely to suffer a fatal car accident than a 16-year-old boy. Elderly women are also five times more likely to perish on the road even as passengers. Motorcyclists were 32 percent more likely to die in accidents compared to cars, vans or SUVs.

"It's clear from this study that traffic enforcement and education efforts should be directed with more emphasis on young male drivers," noted car accident attorney John Bisnar.

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.