A pedestrian was struck and killed by a driver on Aug 14 in Fresno on Clovis Avenue, shortly after an officer was struck by a suspected drunk driver.
According to the Fresno Bee a man was driving at about 1:50 AM on Monday going south on Clovis Avenue north of Shields Avenue. The man struck a woman who was on the roadway. The pedestrian was not in a crosswalk or intersection according to officials. The woman was taken to a nearby hospital where she succumbed to her injuries and died shortly after.
The driver of the vehicle remained at the scene and spoke with officers. Shortly after an officer at the scene of the crash was struck by a suspected drunk driver. The alleged drunk driver was headed south on Clovis Avenue at about 2:15 AM, they failed to stop and collided with the passenger side of the patrol car and ultimately pushing it into the officer. The patrol car was originally being used to block the roadway on Clovis Avenue.
The officer suffered injuries and pain from the incident, he is expected to recover and was taken to a nearby hospital.
The second driver was suspected of drunken driving and taken to Fresno County Jail on suspicion of felony DUI. Due to another unrelated suspected drunken driving incident in June, his driver’s license has been suspended.
“This whole ordeal is extremely unfortunate and a matter of negligence that resulted in a chain reaction of injuries and death,” said Gerald Singleton personal injury attorney at Singleton Schreiber. “Two separate individuals were struck by two separate drivers in scenarios that should have never occurred. My thoughts are with the families of the victims.”
If you or someone you loved has been injured in a car accident, contact the Fresno pedestrian incident lawyers at Singleton Schreiber by calling 559-702-0846 or by email info@singletonschreiber.com.
Fatal Fresno Pedestrian Incidents
Fresno, a bustling city in California’s Central Valley, has been grappling with a concerning rise in fatal pedestrian incidents in recent years. These incidents not only devastate families but also raise important questions about road safety, urban planning, and the need for comprehensive strategies to protect vulnerable road users.
In recent times, Fresno has experienced a disturbing upward trend in fatal pedestrian incidents. This trend runs counter to the broader national effort to improve road safety and reduce traffic-related fatalities. As pedestrians form a crucial part of the transportation landscape, their safety remains a top priority.
Several factors may be contributing to the rise in fatal pedestrian incidents in Fresno:
- Distracted Driving: The prevalence of smartphones and other distractions in vehicles has increased the likelihood of drivers taking their eyes off the road, leading to accidents involving pedestrians.
- Lack of Pedestrian Infrastructure: Many areas in Fresno lack proper sidewalks, crosswalks, and pedestrian signals, leaving pedestrians with limited safe options for navigating the city streets.
- High Vehicle Speeds: Excessive vehicle speeds reduce drivers’ ability to react in time to unexpected pedestrian crossings, often resulting in tragic accidents.
- Urban Design Challenges: Some neighborhoods in Fresno may not have been designed with pedestrian safety in mind. Poorly lit streets and inadequate signage can contribute to accidents.
- Impaired Driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs remains a significant factor in pedestrian accidents, impairing drivers’ judgment and reaction times.
Addressing the increase in fatal pedestrian incidents requires a multifaceted approach involving various stakeholders:
- Improved Infrastructure: Investments in pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, such as well-marked crosswalks, pedestrian signals, and designated sidewalks, can significantly enhance safety for both pedestrians and drivers.
- Traffic Calming Measures: Implementing traffic calming measures, such as speed bumps, reduced speed limits, and traffic circles, can encourage responsible driving behavior and decrease the severity of accidents.
- Educational Campaigns: Public awareness campaigns focusing on pedestrian safety can educate both drivers and pedestrians about responsible behavior on the road.
- Stricter Law Enforcement: Enforcing traffic laws, particularly those related to speeding, distracted driving, and impaired driving, can act as a deterrent and ensure greater adherence to road safety rules.
- Community Engagement: Involving local communities in urban planning and design processes can ensure that pedestrian safety concerns are adequately addressed, leading to more pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods.
- Technological Interventions: The integration of technology, such as pedestrian detection systems in vehicles and smart crosswalks, can enhance road safety by providing advanced warning to both drivers and pedestrians.
The rise in fatal pedestrian incidents in Fresno is a distressing trend that demands immediate attention and action. By addressing the root causes, enhancing pedestrian infrastructure, educating road users, and fostering community engagement, the city can make significant strides in improving road safety for everyone. It is imperative that city planners, policymakers, law enforcement agencies, and residents work collaboratively to create a safer environment where pedestrians can navigate the city’s streets without fear. Through a comprehensive and coordinated effort, Fresno can pave the way towards a future marked by fewer tragedies and a greater focus on protecting vulnerable road users.
“My hope is that the family of the deceased victim as well as everyone involved hire knowledgeable attorneys to handle their cases,” added Mr. Singleton. “All parties involved deserve justice for the injuries and fatalities sustained in these tragic incidents.”
If you or someone you loved has been injured in a car accident, contact the Fresno pedestrian incident lawyers at Singleton Schreiber by calling 559-702-0846 or by email info@singletonschreiber.com.
