• 11
  • July
    2011

According to a report by pedestrian advocacy group Transportation Alternatives, a pedestrian is killed in New York City every 35 hours. Vision Zero, a proposal established for future pedestrian safety, reports that on average, 317 New York pedestrians are killed in car accidents each year. In fact, more pedestrians are killed in traffic accidents than are murdered in New York City. In 2009, traffic incidents lead to $4 billion in losses, considering lost income and wrongful death compensation.

According to the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (NYSDMV), more than 15,000 pedestrians were injured across the state in 2009. Most accidents occurred during the afternoon hours. Driver inattentiveness and failure to yield were cited as the most common causes for pedestrian accidents. These factors suggest that inattentiveness during rush hour contributed to such accidents.

Although a majority of these accidents occurred in New York City, pedestrians in suburban counties must be vigilant when crossing the street. Most accidents occur on wide throughways where motorists tend to exceed the speed limit. Researchers observed that when average speeds exceed 30 miles per hour, more pedestrian fatalities occurred. Also, gender played a distinct role in pedestrian accidents. Of the 15,603 accidents reported, male drivers were involved in approximately 9,300.

Authorities have a number of options available in stemming pedestrian accidents. In addition to speed enforcement, municipalities can extend curbs and pedestrian refuge islands, incorporate bicycle lanes and design roads that prohibit excessive speeds.

Pedestrians injured in accidents may be eligible for compensation for their injuries. Families of those killed may pursue wrongful death claims and may receive money damages for lost wages, medical expenses and pain and suffering.

Has someone in your family been injured in a car accident while crossing the street? If you have questions about your rights and options, an experienced White Plains motor vehicle accident attorney at our firm can advise you.

Source: http://www.transalt.org/files/newsroom/reports/2011/Vision_Zero.pdf