Pedestrian safety is vital in urban areas. Those crossing intersections and navigating traffic areas on foot are some of the most vulnerable residents local accident attorneys have to protect. There also tends to be a bit of a non-pedestrian-friendly sentiment in many parts of the community that makes things even tougher for individuals who need to get from point A to point B on foot. But in general, New York City makes allowances for pedestrians based on local infrastructure that are not present in some other parts of the country where there aren’t so many people choosing to walk around their neighborhoods.
Pedestrian Safety in New York City
The NYC Department of Transportation recently issued a document called the New York City Pedestrian Safety Study and Action Plan. That document details some of the realities within the New York City metro area. The report includes data from over 7000 accidents that impacted pedestrians.
Some of the key findings of the report include the following:
• Traffic fatalities decreased 35 percent from 2001 to 2009.
• The City experiences over $4 billion in motor vehicle accident costs annually.
• There is an extremely high risk (10 times higher) for pedestrians than for vehicle passengers.
• Pedestrians account for over half of fatalities.
• One-third of accidents involve driver error or inattention.
The report also finds some specific data on who is likely to be involved in these kinds of accidents. For instance, on the busy Manhattan peninsula, nearly half of all pedestrian fatalities involve those living in other boroughs or outside of the city. Simply put, there’s a gap between the reality for Manhattan residents and what others encounter when they visit.
Numerous socioeconomic, educational and transportation preference factors come into play, but this report gives New Yorkers a much better picture of what needs to be done to make the city safer for pedestrians. Anti-speeding campaigns and intersection safety are also included in the report, as well as other issues that New York City leaders are looking at carefully when trying to plan for better health and safety.
New York City Injury Attorneys — Representing Pedestrians
Local injury lawyers are dedicated to helping to provide support for personal injury or wrongful death cases when traffic accidents harm pedestrians. Part of maintaining a just society is looking out for those with fewer resources, such as individuals who need to move around without the extended resources of the elite, such as private cars or private planes.
In and around New York City, residents can rely on the offices of Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff & Wolff for professional representation in pedestrian accidents or other types of motor vehicle accidents. We will keep you informed about your legal options and help you get the best chance at equitable compensation for your injuries. Let us help you bring a personal injury case in local New York City courts.
