The Lombardi Law Firm Blog

Iowa Pedestrian Injuries and Deaths - News Roundup Continued

Once again today we continue with the pedestrian-car-truck-bus-train collision news items. As I previously stated, there are so many of them just since the first of the year. Today we’ll look at one additional news item that adds to our investigation into what themes or reasons (causes) as to why pedestrians get struck so much.  By analyzing how pedestrians get into accidents with motor vehicles maybe we can avoid finding ourselves in this situation.

Burlington City, New Jersey – January 2009 – Highway Route 130 in Jersey proves one thing is nothing else; building interstate highways through congested areas without pedestrian bridges are a recipe for disaster. There are so many people being killed that the Tri-State Transportation Campaign named the entire stretch of Route 130 through Burlington County and Atlantic County’s White Horse Pike as the two most dangerous roads in New Jersey for pedestrians. In January a 26-year-old man was struck and killed while attempting to cross it. On December 9th a 4-year-old boy was struck and killed trying to cross at the intersection. On Sunday of last, a 55-year-old woman was struck and killed while attempting to cross this highway. All told, last year alone 12 pedestrians and four bicyclists were killed in the county. Not really bragging rights I’d say.

Pedestrian Safety – Recent news stories about how dangerous situation confront pedestrians

St. James, Missouri, April 2009 – This story is brought to us by The Rolla Daily News. Although I hate to sound trite, this is another pedestrian crossing the street collision with an oncoming car or truck where for whatever reason the driver doesn’t see the pedestrian, strikes and kills him. The driver this time is 21-years-old and the pedestrian is 29-years of age.

According the newspaper,

Scheider approached Interstate 44 from the south, was successful in crossing the eastbound lane but was struck in the westbound lane by Drew, who was westbound near Hutcheson Ford.

According to the report filed Cpl. Doug Melton of the Highway Patrol, and statements taken from Drew, Scheider appeared out of the median ditch and headed into the westbound traffic.

“The driver made the call immediately to 911 and said he hit a guy,” Melton said. “The guy came out of the ditch in-between I-44 and was trying to cross the interstate.”

…

The accident occurred just before 8:53 p.m. Friday, which is when the MSHP received the call.

…

On Monday, Crain warned pedestrians about dangers around interstates.

“The interstates are very dangerous. With vehicles traveling 70 mph, they’re upon you very quickly,” Crain said. “And at night, with headlights in your eyes, as this accident was, your depth perception is not as good. It’s very difficult to judge the speed of the car.”

Crain warned all pedestrians, and motorists who become pedestrians, to be careful on the roadways.

That’s good advice about how difficult it is to accurately determine the speed of oncoming traffic. Pedestrian safety is about being overly cautious and not running before you are sure of distances and speed of oncoming cars and truck.

Tomorrow we will pick this theme back up and have another example of pedestrian-car collisions.

Welcome to the Lombardi Law Firm website. Being prepared isn’t the same as being able to litigate a lawsuit. Don’t be foolish, be prepared and seek good legal advice from a seasoned personal injury lawyer. Know your rights, protect yourself and be alert to risks that can cause injury or death. Visit the Help Center at the InjuryBoard or here at the Lombardi Law Firm’s website. Steve Lombardi writes for each and explores the how's and why’s people are injured. He also provides commentary and insight on his blog at The Verdict and on the Des Moines Register. We try to make our website an interesting source of information for all people who seek information concerning injury or death. We attempt to provide information that makes you more aware of how to avoid injury and death.  We are here to assist you to stay safe. Call us if you have legal or safety questions. (515-222-1110) We are willing to assist you in finding answers to your questions and regularly write about safety that readers bring to our attention about the workplace and on the highway. Good luck on the road and job site and be safe. sdlombardi@aol.com

If you or your spouse is involved in any kind of accident contact the Lombardi Law Firm. We will assist you with your claim. Steve Lombardi has more than 30 years in civil litigation including death and injury cases for workers and their spouses from many types of accidents and injuries. We don't charge you to talk with Mr. Lombardi to find out if you have a case. Don't delay call him today. Attorney Lombardi writes for blogs at The Verdict on Lombardi Law Firm, the Des Moines market of InjuryBoard.com and on occasion on the Des Moines Register web site. Steve Lombardi is a personal injury lawyer, husband, father and grandfather who pride’s himself on doing more than just practicing law. Join us in making the world a safer place.

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