Fremont, a city known for its amusing history and beautiful vistas, has many walkable neighborhoods. Nevertheless, pedestrians in the city are still at risk of accidents, especially when crossing busy intersections, because of careless drivers. A recent study takes a closer look at pedestrian accident statistics in the city.
Pedestrian Accident Problem
According to the City of Fremont’s annual crash data, the intersections between Washington Boulevard and Osgood Road and Walnut Avenue and Godfrey are some of the areas that have recorded the highest number of pedestrian passenger incidents in recent times. Intersections such as these, often see drivers failing to yield to pedestrians.
In general, Fremont has had an annual average of 43 pedestrian accidents, including severe injuries and deaths, over the last five years. In 2022 alone, the California Transportation Injury Mapping System (TIMS) recorded at least 39 fatal pedestrian accidents in Freemont. TIMS reported 36 serious injuries in 2021 and 21 cases in 2020. The number was even higher in 2019 when Fremont experienced 62 pedestrian accident issues.
Hit-And-Run Driver Dangers
If hitting pedestrians is not bad enough, some drivers tend to drive away and avoid taking responsibility. Hit-and-run drivers often knock out pedestrians and let them suffer all the consequences. Drivers who do not stop to handle the incident leave the already injured pedestrians at risk of being hit by approaching drivers. It may also delay medical attention at the scene if the at-fault driver fails to report the case putting the victim at further risk. If the driver is not caught and brought to justice, most victims and their families usually end up paying for all the medical costs themselves.
Pedestrian Accident Numbers in California and the U.S.
Pedestrian accident rates in California and across the entire nation have reached disturbing numbers. A report by the Governor’s Highway Safety Administration (GHSA) indicates that approximately 7,508 pedestrians were killed in the country in 2022. That is a 1% increase since 7,443 deaths were recorded in 2021. The 2022 pedestrian deaths represent the highest toll since 1981.
The same report indicates that California recorded nearly 1,100 pedestrian deaths in 2022, making it the state with the highest number of fatalities. It was followed by Texas and Florida, which recorded 834 and 824 deaths, respectively. The Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System in California, which has its own pedestrian accident death records, say more than 1,200 people died in 2022.
Improved Safety for Fremont Pedestrians
Although pedestrians in Fremont have been at risk of fatal injuries in the past years, there is hope for increased safety in the coming years. Drivers in Fremont should slow down and become more attentive at intersections. Exercising a little bit of caution can lower accident rates in the city and prevent harming defenseless passengers and their friends and families.