Burbank Pedestrian and Car Accidents Decline in 2008

Burbank pedestrian and car accident attorneys have noted that rising gas prices, fewer vehicle trips and a full strength motor squad -- all contributed to a reduction in car and pedestrian accidents in Burbank, California last year.

According to Burbank Police, there were 1,857 car crashes in 2008 compared to 2,161 in 2007, and 2,026 in 2006 -- a 14 percent decline. Pedestrian-car accidents fell to 471 in 2008 compared to 542 in 2007, or just over 13 percent. There were four fatalities in 2008, one less than last year. Also seeing a decline were non-injury collisions -- down to 533 in 2008, compared to 619 the previous year, a drop of almost 14 percent.

Considering Burbank's population, business growth, and traffic congestion, these improvements in the rate of traffic accidents are to be commended. Proper and continuous enforcement of traffic laws can contribute to a safer city for all.

While pedestrian accidents had remained steady over the past three years (50 in 2007, 51 in 2006, and 52 in 2005), they dropped by 24 percent in 2008 to just 38. Vehicular pedestrian-car collisions also fell last year from 408 to 358, a decrease of 12 percent. Hit-and-run personal injury collisions took a real nosedive from 35 in 2007 to 16 in 2008. Regrettably, bicycle collisions rose from 24 in 2007 to 33 in 2008, for an increase of roughly 37 percent (perhaps due to people trying to save gas). DUI arrests rose to 389 in 2008, for an average of 32.4 per month, the city's highest year-end total to date.

On another positive note, Burbank city officials finally approved the use of a school crossing guard at a potentially dangerous intersection. Busy traffic where Keystone Street crosses through Chandler Boulevard South, Chandler Boulevard North and the Chandler Bikeway is regulated by six stop signs. This often confuses drivers, creating a danger for children walking to Edison Elementary School.

On a typical school-day morning, up to three cars often occupy the intersection simultaneously. Many drivers race to nearby John Burroughs High School or to work. They are often so busy trying to determine the right-of-way that they fail to notice the children. Some drivers make U-turns around the bikeway and others drive past one street to make a turn at the next. Bike riders also pass through the intersection without stopping, causing additional distractions for drivers trying to work their way through the gauntlet of stop signs, kids, bikes and other traffic. The crossing guard should help keep kids just a bit safer and prevent car accidents.