Pedestrian safety in the Bronx is a concern that continues to demand our attention. One significant factor contributing to pedestrian accidents is the ever-increasing presence of larger vehicles, such as SUVs and pickup trucks. Experts warn that these heavier, taller vehicles are more likely to strike pedestrians in critical areas like the head or chest, leading to more severe outcomes and increasing the risk of pedestrian fatalities.
The Most Dangerous Intersections in The Bronx for Pedestrians
A “dangerous intersection” is defined by the frequency and severity of accidents. According to a recent New York City Department of Transportation study, the top five intersections with the highest volume and most severe pedestrian accidents in the Bronx over a five-year period are:
1. Intersection of Sedgwick Avenue & West Fordham Road
2. Intersection of Bruckner Boulevard & East 138th Street
Six serious injuries, including one fatality, occurred here. This 1.6-mile stretch from Exterior Street to Locust Avenue recorded 18 serious pedestrian injuries, including four fatalities.
3. Intersection of Park Avenue & East 149th Street
Six serious injuries were reported at this intersection. The 2.1-mile stretch from 145th Street Bridge to Oak Point Avenue saw 28 serious pedestrian injuries, including one fatality.
4. Intersection of Jerome Avenue & East Burnside Avenue
This intersection experienced five serious injuries. The 5.7-mile stretch from Sedgwick Avenue to East 233rd Street resulted in 40 serious pedestrian injuries, including four fatalities.
5. Intersection of University Avenue & West Kingsbridge Road
Five serious injuries occurred here. Kingsbridge Road, a 1.2-mile stretch from Exterior Street to East Fordham Road, accounted for 18 serious pedestrian injuries.
Most Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in The Bronx
Despite New York laws mandating that drivers yield to pedestrians at intersections, including those both with and without crosswalks, many drivers fail to comply, resulting in severe accidents and injuries.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving remains a pervasive issue, particularly with drivers using their phones to do such things as text or enter directions into a navigation app while the vehicle is moving. These distractions significantly increase the risk of pedestrian accidents.
Speeding
Speeding further exacerbates the problem, as higher impact speeds dramatically increase the likelihood of severe injury or death for pedestrians. Research shows that the average risk of severe injury for a pedestrian struck by a vehicle reaches 10% at an impact speed of 16 mph, 25% at 23 mph, 50% at 31 mph, 75% at 39 mph, and 90% at 46 mph. The average risk of death for a pedestrian reaches 10% at an impact speed of 23 mph, 25% at 32 mph, 50% at 42 mph, 75% at 50 mph, and 90% at 58 mph. Risks vary significantly by age, with older and younger pedestrians being particularly vulnerable.
How to Stay Safe as a Pedestrian
To stay safe as a pedestrian, it is crucial to:
- “See and be seen.” Make yourself visible to drivers by wearing retro-reflective clothing and accessories and carrying a flashlight when walking at night or in low-light conditions.
- Cross streets only at intersections (within the crosswalk if one is marked) in well-lit areas and make eye contact with drivers to ensure they see you.
- Always walk on sidewalks or, if unavailable, face traffic.
- Stay sober and alert, as walking while impaired increases your risk.
- Obey pedestrian signals, and look left, right, and left again before crossing.
- Be cautious of turning vehicles and visually clear all lanes before proceeding.
Given that many pedestrian crashes occur in the middle of blocks rather than at intersections, it is vital for pedestrians to use intersections, and crosswalks where marked, to safely cross the roadway. Accidents often happen when pedestrians cross in front of traffic in the middle of a block. Motorists, however, must yield to pedestrians at intersections and crosswalks and can be cited for failure to yield. Just as drivers can be distracted, so too can pedestrians. Distracted walking incidents are on the rise, with cell phones and earbuds putting everyone at risk. To enhance safety, pedestrians should stop using phones while walking, not just in crosswalks and intersections, but at all times.
If you or someone you know has suffered serious injury or been killed as a pedestrian involved in a motor vehicle accident in the Bronx, don’t hesitate to contact Lever & Ecker. We are here to help you get the justice and compensation you deserve. Consultations are always free and you don’t pay unless we win.