U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx has announced a new initiative to try and reduce the increasing number of injuries and fatalities to pedestrians and bicyclists.
The campaign, due to last 18 months, will begin with road safety assessments conducted by U.S. Department of Transportation field offices in every state in the country, and will then provide the resources to help communities build streets that are safer for people walking, bicycling, and taking public transportation.
Injuries and fatalities to pedestrians and those bicycling have steadily increased since 2009, at a faster rate higher than motor vehicle fatalities. From 2011 to 2012, pedestrian deaths rose by 6 percent and bicyclist fatalities went up by almost 7 percent.
Secretary Foxx said that the initiative was aimed at reversing the trend of increasing deaths and injuries among those who bicycle or walk to work.
The new initiative will look to introduce safer routes for pedestrians and cyclist and educate them on how to make safer travel choices. It will also use current road crash avoidance technologies which can alert auto drivers to the presence of bicyclists and pedestrians.
If you, or someone you know, have been injured in a serious auto accident involving a bicycle, please call the at Hirschi Steele & Baer, PLLC at 801-990-0500 or contact us online today. We have the experience and expertise needed to help you get the compensation you deserve.
