A pedestrian in Sacramento, California was hit and killed by a vehicle on Monday night. 

Late-Night Fatal Accident Leaves One Pedestrian Dead in SacramentoAccording to the Sacramento Police Department, officers responded to reports of a crash at Arden Way and Heritage Lane around 11:30 pm. The pedestrian who was hit died on the scene and their identity has not yet been released. 

Police say that the driver remained in the area after the accident, but it is unclear at this point how the crash happened and they will continue to investigate. 

Pedestrian Deaths in California

Unfortunately, California roadways see more pedestrian deaths than any other state in the US. According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, there were nearly 7,500 pedestrian deaths in California between 2009 and 2018. The pedestrian fatality rate in the state is almost 25 percent higher than the national average. 

“Our hearts go out to the family of the victim who died in the crash on Monday night,” says Brett Schreiber, attorney at Singleton Schreiber, “we hope that police can determine the cause soon. As a personal injury attorney, I’ve seen firsthand how these kinds of accidents affect families and communities. It is worth noting that the victim from Monday night’s accident, and others involved in similar accidents, may have legal recourse and could consider contacting a personal injury attorney to learn more about their options.” 

So what can drivers and pedestrians alike do to help make the roads safer?

Safety Tips for Drivers and Pedestrians

Working to reduce pedestrian deaths and make the roads safer for pedestrians requires drivers and pedestrians to work together. Both parties can help to protect themselves by behaving safely, making smart decisions, and adhering to the law. 

Safety Tips for Drivers

  • Follow the speed limit – speeding reduces the amount of time you have to react.
  • Avoid driving distracted – avoid things like using your phone, eating, and adjusting the radio so that you can be aware of your surroundings.
  • Be on the lookout for pedestrians – part of sharing the road involves being aware and keeping your eye out for pedestrians, especially in bad weather and poor visibility conditions. 
  • Yield the pedestrian’s right of way – be prepared to stop and allow pedestrians to cross when you come upon crosswalks and intersections, especially if you have a red light or stop sign.

Safety Tips for Pedestrians

  • Make yourself visible – anytime you are walking, but especially at night, wear brightly colored clothing and/or reflective clothing to help yourself stand out and be visible to drivers.
  • Stay off your phone – use your phone as little as possible because it distracts you from being aware of your surroundings.
  • Avoid behaving dangerously – opt for crosswalks instead of jaywalking, walk on the sidewalk whenever available, stay sober, and make eye contact with drivers before crossing the road to ensure they see you. 
  • Look before entering the road – even if you have the right of way, check before stepping out into the road, be sure to look left and right. 

If you have lost a loved one in a pedestrian accident contact the Sacramento personal injury lawyers at Singleton Schreiber by calling (916) 248-8478 or by emailing info@singletonschreiber.com to learn more about how we can help you.