Traffic Fatalities in Oakland, CA
According to the Oakland Department of Transportation, the number of fatal car crashes across the country reached a 16-year high in 2021 with 42,915 people killed in traffic accidents. That was a 10.5% increase from 2020. It is likely that the pandemic had something to do with the spike in traffic accidents. The most common causes of fatal traffic accidents were listed as speeding, failure to yield, running a red light, distracted driving, unsafe turning, and driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Oakland didn’t fare much better than the rest of the country. In 2022, 36 individuals lost their lives due to traffic accidents. 22 have been reported thus far in 2023. That number remains unacceptably high. In this article, the Oakland, CA car accident attorneys at Venardi Zurada will discuss traffic fatalities in the City of Oakland and why they occur.
Identifying causes of traffic accidents in Oakland
One of the reasons why Oakland has such a high volume of traffic accidents is due to the fact that our city has a higher-than-average traffic volume. The larger the number of vehicles on the road, the more likely a traffic accident will occur. Traffic congestion leads to vehicle accidents and Oakland has a rising population of over 420,000 residents. Furthermore, Oakland is a popular destination for tourists and commuters who may not be familiar with our streets.
Another factor that increases the risk to drivers is poor road conditions. Potholes, uneven pavement, and construction zones all increase the risk that a traffic accident will occur. Many of Oakland’s roads were built during a time when there was significantly less traffic. These outdated roads increase the risk to drivers. Many of our roads are narrow and winding making them more difficult to navigate. When you combine these factors with high speeds and heavy traffic, it makes for a perfect storm of roadway accidents.
Distracted driving is also a major factor when discussing traffic accidents. Cellphone use and infotainment systems offer distractions while a driver is on the road. Distracted driving accidents are quickly becoming the number one cause of traffic accidents across the country. When an individual texts while driving, they are taking their hands off the wheel of their vehicle, their attention off the road, and their eyes from where they are going. That’s why it’s illegal to text while driving in California. Distracted driving represents a major danger to others on the road.
The prevalence of rideshare companies has also led to an increase in the number of traffic accidents in the City of Oakland. Drivers may be unfamiliar with the area or fatigued from driving long hours. This leads to subpar decision-making on the road.
Talk to an Oakland, CA Traffic Accident Attorney Today
If you have been injured in a traffic accident, you have a right to recover damages related to your injuries. The Oakland, CA personal injury attorneys at Venardi Zurada represent the interests of injured drivers in car accident claims. Call our office today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about how we can help.
Source:
oaklandca.gov/topics/traffic-fatality-tracking
