Personal InjurySunnyvale Car Accident Lawyer Blames Problem Roads and Intersections
Reluctant to lose its old farmer/orchard roots, yet eager to modernize, Sunnyvale is a family-oriented city burdened with traffic problems and sadly, auto accidents.
According to residents, many car accidents and "near misses" have been caused by problem intersections. Among these is the northbound entrance/exit of the 101 Freeway at Mathilda. Other high-accident areas include Fair Oaks and Arques, and 9 and Remington. Still another hazardous spot--responsible for four collisions--is the southbound Wolfe at Arques intersection. One resident indicated that the tall brick wall and blind curve approach to Arques is a challenge, especially if one misses the small, second traffic light.
"Intersections that are confusing and/or dangerous to motorists require prompt attention," noted John Bisnar, an award-winning California car accident lawyer. "Neglecting these areas simply creates the opportunity for more motor vehicle collisions."
Citywide auto accident statistics for Sunnyvale show the need for increased traffic enforcement efforts and greater driver responsibility. A look at 2006 data from the California Highway Patrol's Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS) revealed 10 auto accident fatalities and 502 traffic accident-related injuries. Alcohol-related accidents killed four and injured 44. One pedestrian was killed and 33 were injured in city traffic collisions. Motorcycle accidents resulted in one fatality and 25 injuries.
Red-light runners share the blame for a growing number of accidents in Sunnyvale. These scofflaws caused 7 percent of the 2,081 automobile accidents and two fatalities in the city. According to the California Highway Patrol, from 1994 to 1998, Santa Clara County suffered 6,839 injuries and 19 fatalities due to motorists who failed to stop at either red lights or stop signs.
Fighting back, Sunnyvale chose the lower-tech approach to nabbing red-light violators. Instead of expensive red-light camera systems, the city opted for low-cost "Rat Boxes." These were affixed to signal boxes at 36 heavily traveled intersections throughout the city. Police officers can now catch red-light runners from the safety of the other side of the intersection. No more dangerous maneuvering through red-light cross traffic to engage the pursuit.
Continuing its pro-active efforts to cut down the number of motor vehicle accidents, Sunnyvale targeted drunk drivers. Statistics showed there were 1,404 traffic collisions from October 2004 to September 2005--93 of these were primarily caused by DUI drivers. What's more, between January 1 and December 31, 2005, Sunnyvale's Public Safety Division arrested 270 DUIs. In response, police set up a DUI enforcement trailer at a key accident-prone location. In addition, in 2008, police conducted a DUI checkpoint on El Camino Real between Pastoria and Mathilda avenues.
"Properly conducted, DUI checkpoints are a powerful tool that can reduce motor vehicle accidents," said famed car accident attorney John Bisnar.
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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