Denver Police: "It's Not Just A Police Problem, It's a City Problem"
The initial two months of 2013 have offered hope and renewal for many Colorado residents, but statistics from that time period also have Denver Police and officials worrying about a sudden surge of accidents involving cars and pedestrians.
A staggering 46% increase in such incidents in this early portion of the new year is certainly cause for concern. "We have more distracted walkers and drivers checking their text messages and e-mails, and people are just not paying attention," offered head traffic investigator Lt. Robert Rock. Rock also noted that distracted drivers are only part of the problem.
"You can watch a kindergarten student always walk to the corner and wait for the light," he said. "And you can watch adults cut across at mid-block all day long."
The spike in auto vs. pedestrian incidents is clearly visible through monthly statistical averages. Throughout 2011 and 2012, approximately 31 auto-pedestrian accidents were reported and investigated. That number jumped to 44 for the first two months of 2013.
Safety officials are hoping to utilize a 3 pronged approach to mitigate the worrying circumstances surrounding the issue. Engineering, education, and enforcement round out the three target areas.
Each of these areas, while certainly beneficial, present difficult obstacles. Engineering is expensive, education is often effective with children but not adults, and enforcement can simply be impractical.
Police and legislators have instituted some specific measures to help ameliorate the situation. In 2012, Denver Police introduced the Medina Alert System which instantly informs media outlets about hit and run suspects. The law's name commemorates Jose Medina, a valet killed in 2011 by a hit and run driver.
Additionally, state legislators doubled the penalty for convicted hit and run drivers to a six year jail term, which is an identical penalty given to those convicted of impaired or intoxicated driving involving a pedestrian accident.
If you are injured in a hit and run or pedestrian vs. auto accident, you need to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney immediately. Call The Law Offices of Robert Paysinger, P.C. today for a free initial consultation. We help injured people - it's all we do!
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