New Mexico drivers will be shocked to know that the number of pedestrian deaths has shot up in Albuquerque. According to the Albuquerque police, local fatalities have already hit the annual average, so it seems even more crucial to avert car accidents and keep pedestrians safe. Local law enforcement authorities are cracking down on reckless drivers and jaywalking pedestrians in order to stem the tide of increasing fatalities.
The most recent pedestrian fatality occurred more than two weeks ago after a man was run over by a car near a city intersection. The reason for the advancing statistics is unknown, but the number of accidental deaths so far this year, including those caused by car accidents, is 17. This figure is quite shocking when you consider that there are three more months until the year’s end; the total number of deaths in 2013 numbered 13 and 18 in 2012.
Police are increasing patrols and trying to reduce accidents and fatalities in general specifically by ticketing pedestrians not following street laws and motorists not following posted speed limits and other traffic rules. A police officer said that the steps being taken are working. Traffic fatalities happen mostly at night, when visibility is reduced. Another trigger for these car accidents seems to be alcohol use. Hence, Albuquerque police used the proceeds of a hefty grant to increase police patrols at night.
It is hoped that reducing the conditions that bring about car accidents will lower the number of deaths due to car accidents. Albuquerque police also said that alcohol-related car collisions have been reduced substantially this summer, especially as compared with 2013, in which 80 people died in July, 2013, alone. The number of July 2014 deaths stands at 11. If negligence is found to be the cause of a fatal car accident, the victim’s family can file a lawsuit seeking compensation. Compensation is a critical issue and may require expert advice.
Source: KOAT Channel 7, “Yearly pedestrian death avg. reached in Albuquerque,” Kirsten Swanson, Sept. 8, 2014