Ottawa Lawyer: Cycling Accidents / Pedestrian Accidents
Traffic issues are a big concern for the personal injury lawyers in our Ottawa law firm. Check out these excerpts from the press release by the Traffic Injury Research Foundation (TIRF). TIRF’s mission is to reduce traffic-related deaths and injuries. The press release gives the most current statistics for serious traffic accidents and provides the results of a poll about Canadians’ attitude toward safety as pedestrians or cyclists. The information was gathered in the Road Safety Monitor (RSM), an annual public opinion survey conducted by the Traffic Injury Research Foundation (TIRF). A total of 1,201 Canadians completed the interview.
[A]ccording to Transport Canada, in Canada in 2006, there were 374 pedestrian fatalities accounting for 12.9% of all road user fatalities and there were 73 bicyclists killed accounting for 2.5% of all road user fatalities.
… almost a quarter of pedestrians indicated that they frequently jaywalk, 12.2% indicated that they frequently cross the street while listening to an mp3 player or CD-player, or using a cell phone, and 11.8% frequently cross at a crosswalk when a vehicle has the right of way.
41.2% of people surveyed reported that they ride a bicycle. Of all bicyclists, 8.9% admitted to frequently crossing the street while listening to an mp3 player or CD-player, or using a cell phone, 8.5% admitted to frequently weaving in and out of traffic while riding their bicycle on the road, and 8.3% said they ride their bike at night when they are not easily visible to traffic.
In 2006, pedestrians under the influence of alcohol accounted for 12.3% of alcohol related road deaths in Canada.
Of the pedestrian fatalities tested for alcohol, 42% had been drinking and 27% of those who had been drinking had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .16% or higher, twice the legal limit to operate a motor vehicle.
The author of the press release comments:
“Given the high number of near misses reported by drivers and the devastating damage that can result from crashes, regardless of whether drivers are at fault or not, being vigilant at all times and slowing down could go a long way in improving the safety of vulnerable road users,” says Vanlaar. “On the other hand, vulnerable road users themselves have to be prudent and respect traffic rules. As a vulnerable road user, you will always be in the weakest position when being involved in a crash and not being at fault will not change that.”
If you require a personal injury lawyer to assist you with a pedestrian accident or a bicycle accident, contact the Ottawa injury lawyers at Auger Hollingsworth at 613 233-4529.
