Last Monday, July 29th, 83-year-old Henry Broncy was struck by a vehicle at the intersection of Rancho Del Oro Drive and Via Rancho in Oceanside, San Diego.
Broncy, who was crossing the street outside of a marked pedestrian crosswalk, was hit by a vehicle driven by a 46-year-old Oceanside resident just after 7:30 am.
First responders took Broncy to the hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries. The 46-year-old driver stayed at the scene of the crash and cooperated with police. According to authorities, he was not arrested and no charges are pending.
Police will continue to investigate the crash.
What Makes Pedestrian vs Vehicle Accidents Dangerous
There are several factors that make pedestrian vs vehicle accidents so dangerous, here are the key reasons:
- Pedestrians are extremely vulnerable – pedestrians lack any protective barriers while vehicle occupants have metal frames protecting them. This makes pedestrians much more susceptible to severe injuries from impact. Additionally, because of their lack of protection, they are at a higher risk of sustaining life-threatening injuries, or even dying.
- Vehicles weigh significantly more than pedestrians do, increasing the force of impact – the average vehicle weighs between 2,500 and 4,500 lbs, so even at low speeds, the force of a vehicle hitting a pedestrian is enough to inflict significant injuries. The greater the speed, the more severe the impact and increased likelihood of fatalities.
- Height and design of vehicles can determine injury type and severity – larger vehicles, like SUVs or trucks have higher front ends. This can cause more severe injuries to pedestrians’ heads and upper bodies and increase the likelihood of catastrophic injury or fatalities.
Unfortunately, pedestrian vs vehicle collisions are common, though they can be prevented. Both pedestrians and drivers can work together to reduce the chances of these types of accidents. Some actions that can be taken:
By pedestrians:
- Cross streets at designated crosswalks
- Avoid distractions and stay aware of your surroundings
- Before crossing in front of drivers, make eye contact to ensure they see you
- Wear clothing that helps drivers see you
- Obey traffic signals and pedestrian signs for safe crossing
- Use sidewalks whenever available
- Avoid making erratic or sudden movements
By drivers:
- Stay alert when behind the wheel and avoid distractions
- Stop for pedestrians at marked crosswalks
- Obey posted speed limits
- Be aware of your surroundings
- Exercise extra caution in poor or low visibility conditions
- Thoroughly check blind spots
“The loss of a loved one is never easy,” says Gerald Singleton, attorney of Singleton Schreiber, “Our hearts go out to the family of the victim and we hope they are able to find closure. It is important they know they may have legal recourse and could consider contacting a personal injury lawyer to learn more about their legal options moving forward.”
If you’ve lost a loved one in a pedestrian accident, contact the San Diego pedestrian accident attorneys at Singleton Schreiber for assistance. Call (619) 771-3473 or email info@singletonschreiber.com to get started today.
