The latest nationwide studies list Bakersfield as the No. 2 most dangerous metropolitan area in the United States to be a pedestrian and show a shocking increase in the pedestrian fatality rates over the years. Here are two ways you can avoid pedestrian accidents locally:

1. Avoid walking or running in the evening hours. The latest data shows that the most common time pedestrian accidents occur in Bakersfield any day of the week is between 6 to 9 pm.
2. Be obvious and predictable, crossing at crosswalks or intersections only, walk facing traffic and as far from traffic as possible if there is no sidewalk. 57% of pedestrian accidents in Bakersfield happen because of a pedestrian violation, like crossing where there is not a crosswalk, according to state data.

Follow the above two steps especially if you’re in downtown Bakersfield and on Union Avenue, locations which rank at the top for pedestrian accident rates locally.

One in 10. That’s how many adults are likely to become a victim of elder abuse and neglect. That could be your parent, grandparent, aunt or uncle, neighbor or other loved one. In fact, in California there are more than 175,000 cases of reported elder abuse each year, according to Kern County Aging & Adult Services. And officials estimate that for every case known to reporting agencies, 24 cases go unreported. Here are two ways to identify elder abuse and neglect in a nursing home:

1. Look for physical signs. One of the most common signs of neglect are bedsores or pressure ulcers which can be deadly if they go unnoticed and untreated. Other physical signs of abuse and neglect include bruises, cuts, burns, rapid weight loss, or unexplained injuries.
2. Watch for emotional or behavioral changes. These signs may be harder to detect, but the typical signs to look for are your loved ones becoming more withdrawn, depressed, or anxious. Behavioral changes such as sudden outbursts or unusual agitation can also be a sign of abuse.

To report cases of elder abuse, whether it is on your own behalf or that of someone you know, call California Department of Public Health, Community Care Licensing, Adult Protective Services, or the Long-Term Care Ombudsman.

California’s workers’ compensation laws help protect workers if they become ill or injured on the job. But many people don’t realize the different benefits available to them. Here are 5 basic benefits available to injured workers.

1. Temporary disability benefits are payments made to the injured worker if he or she is unable work during their recovery period.
2. Medical treatment to cure or relieve the effects of the injury at no cost to the injured worker. This could potentially be a lifetime benefit.
3. Disability payments may be paid on top of wages if the injury affects the worker permanently.
4. Supplemental job displacement vouchers can be used to pay for educational retraining or skill enhancement at state-approved or accredited school if a person is unable to return to work.
5. Death benefits are payments to a spouse and dependents if an employee dies from a work-related injury or illness. This includes burial expenses.
   Remember, workers’ comp. is based on a no-fault system, which means that an injured employee does not need to prove that the injury or illness was someone else’s fault in order to receive workers’ compensation benefits.

As a driver, you never know when an accident can happen, and it can be lifechanging. There are ways to make sure you and your family stay protected while on local roads. Here is one important way: Make sure you have uninsured motorist coverage.

This coverage protects you and your family in case you get into an accident with a driver who either doesn’t have insurance or doesn’t have enough insurance to cover your damages. Did you know California has one of the highest rates of uninsured drivers in the country? And Kern County’s rate is especially bad!

California’s minimum motorist coverage of $15,000 is barely enough to cover an ambulance ride. If you waive uninsured motorist coverage, or you have too little uninsured motorist insurance, you could be left with costly medical bills and other expenses.

Carry uninsured motorist coverage at limits of at least $100,000 per person to make certain that you and your family are protected.

Little known fact: This coverage also protects you or a family member if you are the victim of a hit-and-run crash or injured in a bike accident or pedestrian accident.