There’s no doubt that roads can be a dangerous place for drivers and pedestrians alike. While not every Poway car accident can be avoided entirely, the newest measures at the city can help ensure the risk – at the very minimum – is reduced. After what the Patch has called a “contentious issue,” the city of Poway has finally installed all-way stop signs at its busy Valle Verde Road – the same road that tragically killed a resident and injuring many more within the last year.

The city approved the signage in a victorious City Council meeting Tuesday by a 5-0 unanimous vote. It’s taken the city of Poway three years to make the intersection safer even after residents have known for years the intersection was far too busy to be considered safe without signage.

Deputy Mayor Jim Cunningham explains that last year’s death of a Poway woman at the same intersection spurred the signage to take center stage. “What her tragic death did was revitalized the debate,” he added:  “Three of us on the council were not on the council in 2008.”

Drivers can expect to see a slight delay at the intersections of Valle Verde Road and Solera/Vinter Way. However, the delay is relatively minor and will primarily take effect during the busy morning hours of 8 to 9 a.m.

Tuesday’s City Council meeting united many families affected by the dangerous intersection. A mother of an 11-year-old Poway child explained her son – now 4 years older – is still afraid to cross the streets after he was injured as a pedestrian in 2008. Another Poway teen attended the City Council meeting and added: “My friends and I are unable to go to the park or the pool because Valle Verde is too unsafe to cross.” Many other children and teens attended the City Council meeting with similar stories.

“We’re not the experts, they are,” explained Greg Hulan, a Poway engineer.  ”That’s very logical. Poway is known for its schools. Let’s make it safe for our kids to get to school.”

While most people were in favor of the signs, there were a few naysayers who did not vote for the measure due in part for its cost on the city. While not exorbitant, the safety measures will cost Poway an estimated $2,800 – well worth it for a potentially saved life.

Crew will begin installing the new signage Wednesday.

Pedestrian safety: the next step

It’s essential for San Diego County to take note and listen to its residents – after all, it makes sense that residents are the “experts” on the lay of the land including needed safety measures. But often, there’s red tape that can still delay a very necessary change. Here’s what you can do to keep you and your children safe as San Diego County pedestrians.

Ground rules

All children need established, firm guidelines for street travel including playing in the streets. If you know of a dangerous intersection in your neighborhood, make sure your child understands the area is off-limits unless you are there to escort across the street. For older teens, make sure they understand which areas of the city are most dangerous for foot travel and to stay alert and cautious when perusing those streets.

Take action

If there is a known problem with your street or any signage throughout your city, call to report it. If you live in the city of San Diego, you can report traffic signal problems or a need for traffic lights by calling (619) 527-7500. If you live in another city, you may have to contact their City Hall to find out where to report a problem.

About the Law Offices of Michael Pines, APC

If you’ve been involved in a Poway car accident, call the Law Offices of Michael Pines at 1-800-655-6585 or use our online form to submit the details of your case. We’ll answer all of your legal questions free of charge. Every personal injury attorney at our firm will fight hard to make sure you receive maximum compensation for your injury. Call now.

About Michael Pines

Michael Pines is a former insurance company attorney who specializes in car accident injury. While he was an insurance attorney, he learned from behind the scenes on how insurance companies work and how they decided to pay injured people. Now that he works against insurance companies, Michael's inside knowledge has resulted in significant benefits to his clients injured in car accidents.

Officials reported that a pedestrian was struck in a hit-and-run car accident Tuesday in a tragic course of events that claimed the young woman’s life. In wake of the tragedy, San Diegans are urged to stay aware of pedestrian laws and safety regulations in an effort to avoid needless accident such as these.

The woman, Candice Marie Nelson, 25, a Pauma Valley resident and a mother of 3, was struck early Monday morning – nearly 4 a.m. – after officials reported that she had walked to an unknown destination alongside the north shoulder of Route 76. Reports do not indicate the reason behind the woman’s early morning walk along the busy route, nor do reports indicate the woman had been driving along the route prior to the accident.

Tragically, the woman did not survive the pedestrian accident.

The California Highway Patrol was immediately dispatched to the scene, where an investigation of the accident revealed the woman was struck by a 2002 Ford Taurus which swerved in an effort to avoid colliding with the woman, but was unable to avoid the crash. The driver fled the scene of the accident, but was shortly nabbed after the car was seen fleeing toward Valley Center Road.

Moments later, Rickey Burns, 69, “was arrested on suspicion of felony hit-and-run, and the passengers were released,” according to CHP Officer Parent.

Get to know your California pedestrian laws

Knowing the laws that surround pedestrian safety can equip you with the know-how on staying safe. Often, simply being aware of the legal “dos and don’ts” of pedestrian traffic laws can make all the difference in preventing car accidents involving pedestrian bystanders. There are over twenty laws that govern pedestrian behavior in the state of California, and while every law is important to your safety and the safety of others, consider the following tips so you can stay on the safe side of the road – literally. And, be sure to check out the entire list of pedestrian rules and regulations at http://dmv.ca.gov.

Do not walk on freeways or expressways

California law VC Section 21960 dictates the restriction against using a freeway or expressway as a pedestrian access point. According to the law, walking on a freeway or expressway is illegal and deemed unsafe. In the accident case noted above, the woman was reported to be have walked on a state highway, not a freeway or expressway; and while the behavior is not technically illegal according to written California law, we urge San Diegans to opt against use of the highway as a means to get your destination as a pedestrian. Take the longer route on backstreets if you have to; it just may save your life.

Do not walk in a bicycle lane

All too often, pedestrians use the bike lane in order to get to their destination. In certain circumstances, you may have no other choice; but most of the time, there are available sidewalks that are well-suited for foot travel as opposed to risky bicycle lanes. A fast-moving bicycle can cause personal injury if it collides into you within the confines of a bicycle lane; as a precaution against potential accidents, don’t use the bike lanes as a pedestrian and stick with sidewalks or alternate routes for the safest bet.

Walk against the grain of traffic

California law dictates that pedestrians must walk on sidewalks, against the grain of traffic. In other words, as a pedestrian, walk in the direction of oncoming traffic. Of course, it goes without saying that you should always walk on the sidewalk, use controlled crosswalks when possible, and avoid walking into the street whenever possible.

For complete information on all California pedestrian laws, go to the California Department of Motor Vehicles for a list of rules and regulations.

If you have been injured in a San Diego pedestrian accident, call the Law Offices of Michael Pines, APC at 1-800-655-6585 or use our online form to submit your case securely and confidentially. A personal injury lawyer will review your case free of charge, with no out-of-pocket costs required on your behalf.

About Michael Pines

Michael Pines is a former insurance company attorney who specializes in car accident injury. While he was an insurance attorney, he learned from behind the scenes on how insurance companies work and how they decided to pay injured people. Now that he works against insurance companies, Michael's inside knowledge has resulted in significant benefits to his clients injured in car accidents.

Imagine relaxing on the sunny shores of Torrey Pines State Beach – only to be struck by an SUV to the back of the head. Unfortunately, that’s precisely what happened this month –not only once, but twice, including the second incident involving a 3-year-old toddler.

Now, state lifeguard officials will review training policies in an effort to curb other San Diego car accidents from happening again. But the beach community is understandably concerned on existing training policies: are they sufficient for stopping accidents from happening again?

Details of the car accident case

The last month has gone unfortunately sour for local lifeguards at the Torrey Pines State Beach after two reports of personal injury made headlines – one accident involving a toddler whose collarbone was broken, and another involving a woman whose head and neck got ran over.

Linda McGiness-Pleins, a Poway woman, was struck Tuesday afternoon, after a lifeguard’s SUV allegedly ran over the woman’s head and neck, according to reports at the San Diego Union Tribune. McGiness-Pleins was immediately transported to Scripps Memorial Hospital where she underwent surgery, leaving her in fair condition thereafter.

In addition to a possible spinal cord injury, the woman also suffered a “broken jaw, three broken ribs and a shoulder injury” according to reports. After her interview with 10News, an SDUT news affiliate, the woman said she “thought she was going to die” as the truck rolled over her head and neck.

The local beach community was understandably outraged – but Richard Dennison, public safety coordinator at Torrey Pines beach, said the accident happened as a result of miscommunication between the two lifeguards – an explanation that did not satisfy local residents, especially since this is the second SUV accident within the month.

As reports surfaced in July, a San Diego lifeguard struck another beachgoer – this time, a 3-year-old toddler. Nicole Blakely, mother to the injured child, said that her daughter was struck by the truck’s front and back tire as it rolled across her leg and neck. Before the accident happened, the father of the child saw the truck approaching and yelled for the lifeguard to stop the SUV, according to Blakely.

The child was immediately transported to the hospital shortly after the accident.

“We try to keep our children safe by insuring we watch them in the water and keep an eye on them on the beach so that strangers don’t approach them and they don’t get lost. We don’t expect an added danger on the beach to be getting run over,” Blakely said in an email to the Union-Tribune.

Beach safety: more than just water awareness

Many beachgoers expect to practice proper water safety basics: sunscreen, hydration, lifejackets, child supervision, obeying posted signs, and more. But most beachgoers do not expect that pedestrian safety is just as important – but as these reports indicate, pedestrian safety – even at the beach – is critical. What can you do to be a proactive beachgoer? Consider the following tips:

• Nominate a responsible adult to supervise beach activities. Be sure to take turns so no one parent or guardian feels burned-out or tired. Keep a close eye for all activities around you and your group, including oncoming vehicles.
• Use bright beach gear. A bright blanket can designate your space around you, and often deter vehicles from approaching your group too closely. Also, consider a large umbrella since a big object can often capture the right kind of attention for your group.
• Stay close to the pack of people around you. As much as it is wonderful to have your own space at the beach, it may often prove safer if you find a good spot near other beachgoers. Since the sun can be bright, it may prevent lifeguards from missing you in the abyss of sand and sun. Stay closer to the majority of beachgoers to avoid potential accidents.

About the Law Offices of Michael Pines

Michael Pines, founder, is one of San Diego’s most trusted accident and injury prevention experts with running columns at the La Jolla Light, Del Mar Times, and Rancho Santa Fe Review. The law firm aims to educate the public utilizing safety tips and accident prevention advice, and has helped many injured people seek fair financial recovery after an accident occurs. If you have been injured in an accident, call the personal injury attorneys at the Law Offices of Michael Pines at 1-800-655-6585 for a free and confidential legal review.

About Michael Pines

Michael Pines is a former insurance company attorney who specializes in car accident injury. While he was an insurance attorney, he learned from behind the scenes on how insurance companies work and how they decided to pay injured people. Now that he works against insurance companies, Michael's inside knowledge has resulted in significant benefits to his clients injured in car accidents.

A recent car accident involving a 9-year-old boy from El Cajon served as sobering reminder of the importance of practicing proper bicycle safety, but what’s more, it brings to light the need for driver education as bicyclists share our road.

On June 3, Keith Norton was riding his bike to Madison Avenue Elementary School when he was suddenly hit by a driver behind the wheel of an SUV. According to 10 News San Diego, the young boy was seriously injured as a result of the accident, and was immediately rushed to Rady Children’s Hospital where he was treated for a broken leg and number of cuts and scrapes.

Amazingly, and most importantly, the third-grader survived.

Keith recounted the event to reporters, explaining, “Somehow, I got knocked down and I woke up under the car.” The boy added that he remembered feeling “very sad and scared.”

Had Keith not been wearing his bicycle helmet on the morning of his accident, his story would have changed from a close call to a tragedy.

A special assembly was held Tuesday at Keith’s school to emphasize the importance of bicycle safety, where El Cajon police officers and firefighters surprised Keith with a new bike and helmet. Police remind bike riders that it is required by law to wear a helmet for individuals under the age of 18.

Summer’s here: Driver tips for bicycle safety

I’ve covered bike safety plenty of times throughout my blog – but what about driver awareness for bicyclists? Here, I’ll cover the top 3 safety tips for sharing the road safely. Now that summer’s here, we’ll see more bikes on our sidewalks and neighborhood streets. It’s our responsibility as drivers to be just as aware of bicyclists as they are of us.

Driver Safety Tips

#3 – Make eye contact with bicyclists

Many times, I’ve educated bicyclists on making proper eye contact with drivers to create awareness and bring attention to their presence. The same rings true for drivers as well since it increases focus on the road and the people around you. In other words, if you see a bicyclist approaching, attempt to make eye contact with the rider. Doing so reassures the bicyclist that you see him or her, and the act alone requires attention and focus, thereby reducing risk of a bicycle accident.

#2 – Expect to see bikes on the road, not merely on sidewalks

Know that bicycles are considered vehicles and can use the roads just as any other vehicle can including your car. Expect to see bikes in turning lanes, and not just shoulders, sidewalks, or bike lanes. Many experienced bicyclists elect to use the roadway for a more efficient ride, and many are already aware of traffic laws. However, some riders many not use proper hand signals or follow laws, so expect to compensate through  increased road attentiveness and focus.

#1 – Be aware: Kids on bikes “come out of nowhere”

When drivers are interviewed after colliding with a child on a bike, they often say “s/he came out of nowhere!” – but that’s no excuse. As proactive parents, we already know children are creatively evasive. Children can transcend from a ‘safe’ to ‘dangerous’ situation in a heartbeat. Learn to drive with an expectation that a child just may “come out of nowhere.” In other words, drive cautiously, and don’t speed along neighborhood streets just because you want to get home a minute or two earlier. It’s not worth it – and through our experience, we’ve seen needless bicycle injury accidents in San Diego that could have been prevented.

About the Law Offices of Michael Pines

Michael Pines, founder,  is San Diego’s safety ambassador with running columns at the La Jolla Light, Del Mar Times, Rancho Santa Fe Review, Carmel Valley News, and Solana Beach Sun. His mission is to help prevent accidents in San Diego and help those injured seek fair recovery. For a free legal consultation with the Law Offices of Michael Pines, call 1-800-655-6585 or use the online form to submit details of your case.

About Michael Pines

Michael Pines is a former insurance company attorney who specializes in car accident injury. While he was an insurance attorney, he learned from behind the scenes on how insurance companies work and how they decided to pay injured people. Now that he works against insurance companies, Michael's inside knowledge has resulted in significant benefits to his clients injured in car accidents.

The call of summer is synonymous with sun-drenched beaches, bikinis, and teens cruising the boardwalk. It’s the summer staple. But did you know the chance of car accidents increases by 25 percent during San Diego’s popular beach season? According to San Diego Officer Mark McCullough, the rise of car accidents during beach season are mostly caused by men watching women.

“We get an influx of college kids and tourists to the beach areas during these times, and the accidents climb,” said McCullough.”It’s often young guys who, after we talk to them and prod a little, will admit they were eyeing an attractive brunette or good-looking blonde in a little bikini.”

And in another study by British auto insurance company, Sheila’s Wheels, the same incredible fact is true: 29 percent of men confess they have been distracted while driving by attractive women in swimsuits or revealing clothes.

Distracted driving can come in all forms, even besides typical offenses like cell phone, texting, eating, applying makeup or fiddling with the radio. But all types of distracted driving can end up in a car accident. Now that summer is nearly here, it’s never been more important to stay focused on the road.

The Dangers of Distracted Driving

Regardless of how you may be distracted behind the wheel, car accidents can happen as a result of inattentiveness. In fact, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, inattention while driving leads to 1 in 4 of every accident that occurs.

And it’s not just bikinis that attract the attention of many drivers: the beauty of the ocean, incredible sunsets, and crashing waves can practically hypnotize drivers causing inattentiveness and often resulting in car accidents, whether it’s crashing into a guard rail, rear ending the car ahead, or causing accidents behind the unfocused driver.

No matter how the accident happens, it can lead to personal injury and even catastrophic injury – that’s why it’s never been more important to stay focused on the road.

Use common sense and practicality:

• More sunshine means more people on the road. Stay alert, and watch for pedestrians.
• Don’t further increase your chance of a car accident by talking on your cell phone, texting, or eating. In fact, most cell phone use while driving is illegal. You are breaking the law when you engage in dangerous cell phone activity while driving. Stay on the right side of the law!
• No one says to not appreciate a beautiful sunset. Just pull over to a designated shoulder or visitor’s area to take it all in. Do not ever use your cell phone camera while driving!
• Drive below the speed limit. Of course, exercise common sense. And, know that if there is an increase in sidewalk traffic and sunshine, there will be more distractions. Decreased speed means you can have time to react if the driving situation changes.

About the Law Offices of Michael Pines

Michael Pines is a personal injury lawyer in San Diego specializing in car accidents. Unfortunately, there are many cases of car accidents that arise from distracted driving throughout the San Diego County. Many of those injured in car accidents turn to the Law Offices of Michael Pines for legal representation. People trust Michael Pines as San Diego’s Safety Ambassador and turn to his firm when an injury accident happens. Call us today at 1-800-655-6585 or use our contact form for a free legal evaluation.

About Michael Pines

Michael Pines is a former insurance company attorney who specializes in car accident injury. While he was an insurance attorney, he learned from behind the scenes on how insurance companies work and how they decided to pay injured people. Now that he works against insurance companies, Michael's inside knowledge has resulted in significant benefits to his clients injured in car accidents.