Carlsbad officials are considering a number of ways to make the streets safer for pedestrians and bicyclists. On January 6, 2015, city officials announced the launch of the Walk + Bike Carlsbad campaign, which aims to encourage biking and walking while making local roadways safer. According to a news report in The Coast News, the campaign will include additional lighting and new bike lanes to encourage biking and promote bicycle safety.
The city also plans on making changes to help keep pedestrians safe. For example, flashing beacon lights will be installed at a number of busy intersections and crosswalks. There is already one in place on Oak Street along Carlsbad Boulevard. These types of lights let drivers know when pedestrians are nearby. However, city council has not approved the addition of new beacons, so it is unclear when they will be installed.
Carlsbad city officials are also considering redesigning Carlsbad Boulevard and adding lighting, sidewalks, and wider bike lanes. They may even reduce parts of the boulevard to one lane. Ideally, traffic will slow and drivers will share the road. It is unclear when and if these changes will take place, but it is heartening that attempts are being made to improve conditions for pedestrians and bicyclists.
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2012 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), four people were killed and 401 were injured in Carlsbad traffic accidents. In those crashes, two of the four fatally injured victims were pedestrians. Furthermore, 27 pedestrians and 31 bicyclists were hurt in Carlsbad car accidents during that same year.
If you are injured while walking or biking in Carlsbad, make sure you remain at the crash site and notify the authorities right away. It can also help to take photos of the crash site and to collect contact information from anyone who witnessed the crash. You should also seek out medical attention and keep records of your losses. An experienced Carlsbad personal injury lawyer can help you obtain the compensation you need and rightfully deserve.
