If you have not yet, you will likely soon see art installations at various intersections in Southern California. While they are being installed in Los Angeles, they are scheduled to be installed in other nearby areas in the near future. These installations are known as “rainbow halos” and are created to commemorate people who have died in car accidents in the area in which they are installed. They feature a plaque, a portrait of the person who was killed, and a rainbow-like disc.
The city is including people who were killed while driving or riding in cars, those involved in bike accidents, and those involved as pedestrians. The question remains: Can they really help reduce accidents in Southern California? Read on to learn more and if you have lost a loved one in an accident contact The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker at 800-333-0000 for a free legal consultation.
The Vision of Rainbow Halos is Multifaceted
It is true that part of the reason for the installation of rainbow halos is to commemorate the victims in these accidents but that is not the only reason. Rainbow Halos is just one part of a traffic safety initiative from the mayor of Los Angeles. The goal is to reduce pedestrian deaths to zero by the year 2025. In addition to raising awareness with rainbow halos, they are also installing safety features throughout the city.
This is not unique to Los Angeles – the Vision Zero initiative started in Sweden and is now in numerous cities – including New York City which has had the lowest number of traffic deaths in 100 years. The theory is this: Traffic deaths are preventable. By raising awareness, increasing safety features, and improving road design, traffic deaths can be eliminated.
Vision Zero is Not Succeeding in Los Angeles
While Vision Zero has been a huge success in some cities, the same cannot be said for Los Angeles. It has been in effect there for more than three years and traffic deaths have gone up by nearly 33%. 932 people have died in car accidents since the program has been implemented.
Questions are of course being raised about why it is not having the same success in Los Angeles as it is in New York and other cities. Experts point to the fact that L.A. has more than 7,500 miles of road and cars are more common here than they are in other larger cities that more often rely on public transportation. Experts also point to drivers continuing to speed and to drive while distracted.
We Can Help You if You Have Suffered a Loss in a Traffic Accident
If you have lost a loved one in a car accident, you may have legal recourse to hold the at-fault party responsible. To get started, contact The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker at 800-333-0000 to request a free legal consultation.
