As Reckless Driving Surges, so Do the Number of Pedestrian Deaths

Lever & Ecker, PLLC April 5, 2022 Car Accidents,Pedestrian Accidents

New York City has a wide variety of activities, restaurants, and historical exhibits for everyone to enjoy. Most people take advantage of their proximity by walking, biking, or using public transportation to travel to their destination. While many New Yorkers and visitors enjoy accessible transportation, there are significant dangers to pedestrians in New York. The New York State Department of Health states that about 300 pedestrians are killed and 15,000 are injured in motor vehicle accidents on the state’s roadways annually. 

With a large population confined in a small geographical area, pedestrian accidents occur more often than we might believe. The exposure to dangers is higher for pedestrians since they are vulnerable to serious harm in a vehicle accident. If you or someone you love is in a severe pedestrian accident because of another person’s negligence, contact an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer as soon as possible. 

What Precautions Is New York City Taking to Protect Pedestrians?

At the beginning of 2022, NY’s Mayor Eric Adams announced significant investments toward pedestrian safety at intersections and throughout the state. A leading location in New York for pedestrian injuries and fatalities is intersections. Mayor Adams and the Department of Transportation are making improvements to 1,000 intersections across the city to reduce pedestrian accidents, including:

• ​​Bike corrals at intersections
• Improved traffic signals
• Raised crosswalks
• “Stop. Let Them Cross” public awareness campaign
• Strict enforcement within intersections
• The Turn Calming Program
• Visibility measures

With 55% of pedestrian fatalities occurring at intersections, Mayor Adams hopes these new improvements will lower the number of pedestrian accidents.

How to Stay Safe as a Pedestrian in NYC

As pedestrian accidents continue to rise, New Yorkers must take the necessary precautions to stay safe while walking through NYC. Consider the following tips on how to stay safe as a pedestrian in New York City:

• Avoid distractions: There is a time and place for multitasking, but the streets of New York are dangerous and can cause you to feel disoriented if you are not aware of what you are doing. 
• Only cross when it is safe: Whether you are late to an important meeting or missing an anticipated show, nothing is more important than your health and well-being. Walking before it is safe puts you and others at risk of injury.  
• Pay attention to your surroundings: The city is packed and busy all year round. One moment you are on 5th Avenue and the next, you are navigating through Broadway. Keeping an eye on your surroundings will keep you from wandering into an unknown street. 
• Plan your route: Looking down at your phone and navigating to your destination is often challenging within New York crowds. Instead, it is better to plan out your route before making your way into the busy streets. 
• Take caution at night: As the sun sets, make sure to continue walking in well-lit and heavily populated areas so that you are visible to other drivers. It is also essential to wear lighter clothing as it gets harder to see pedestrians at night.

While you cannot control others from acting recklessly, using the above precautions can help keep yourself and others safe in New York. 

Schedule a Free Consultation With an Experienced NY Pedestrian Injury Lawyer Today

If a negligent driver causes you severe, life-threatening harm, contact Lever & Ecker, PLLC for a professional pedestrian injury lawyer in New York. Our team has 65+ years of combined experience and can offer clients legal representation tailored to their needs. We offer our honest opinion on the best course of action for your case and can provide you with the resources you need for the best possible outcome.

Talk to our lawyers and schedule a free consultation by calling (914) 288-9191 or (718) 933-3632 and filling out our contact form today.