Modesto Car Accident Lawyer Sees Tougher Law Enforcement

Modesto is pulling out all the stops to deal with its car and motorcycle accident rate. The city is targeting speeders, traffic scofflaws, and careless drivers who have contributed to the statistics that annually cause so many tragedies. As reported by the California Highway Patrol's Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), in 2006, there were 18 car accident deaths in Modesto and 1,333 traffic accident-related injuries. Alcohol related collisions accounted for seven fatalities and 106 injuries. Motorcycle accidents were responsible for three fatalities and 54 injuries.

Underscoring Modesto's need to get tough with traffic violators was the accident that seriously injured a 15-year-old girl when she was hit by a car on busy West Orangeburg Avenue. This was a walking and biking trail from the Virginia Corridor frequented by pedestrians and considered quite hazardous. The young teen sustained serious injuries and remained in the hospital for some time. According to one Modesto resident, drivers often go right through this crosswalk and seem oblivious to pedestrians. Some drivers even speed up to beat the pedestrians to the curb so they won't have to stop. The crosswalk is used daily by walkers and children going to and from school. Regrettably, many pedestrians just can't respond in the time allowed by the flashing crosswalk lights. Many residents have insisted that a stoplight be installed at that crosswalk.

"Crosswalks frequented by children should be under the control of a stoplight and/or crossing guards, whichever is more appropriate," noted John Bisnar, an expert car accident lawyer. "Controlling traffic in areas that have high pedestrian use should be a top priority of any municipality."

Like any growing city, Modesto has its share of dangerous intersections. Fortunately, this is where the city has risen to the occasion to curtail the number of collisions and injuries. The city has installed automated red-light enforcement cameras at the high-risk intersections.

The red-light cameras have come under fire by detractors who claim that the systems have increased auto accidents at some intersections. But comparing Modesto's 2006 statistics with those of 2005 citywide have shown just the opposite. The red-light camera programs have reduced non-injury collisions by 21.2%, injury collisions by 25.2%, and fatal collisions by 26.3%. Citywide, the total number of collisions dropped 22.1%. The cameras have issued 1,153 citations during the last nine months of 2005. Officials concluded that even though red-light cameras were present at a few intersections, the cameras have affected driving behavior throughout the city and acted to deter red-light speeders. Modesto plans to expand its red-light enforcement program to further increase driver awareness and cut down on car accidents.

For more information, read "The Seven Fatal Mistakes That Can Wreck Your Personal Injury Claim" by California personal injury attorney John Bisnar. The book is free to accident victims--just go to www.BestAttorneyBooks.com to get a copy sent to you, or you can buy one at www.Amazon.com. Please see other BISNAR | CHASE California car accident lawyers.

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