Most people in New York City step out of their homes and businesses assuming that they will have an uneventful walk to their next destination. However, new numbers from the Tri-State Transportation Campaign show that walking on New York City streets can be quite dangerous.
Between 2009 and 2011, 451 pedestrians were killed in accidents in the city’s five boroughs. Brooklyn and Queens appear to be the most dangerous of the five boroughs for pedestrians. According to the data, Broadway is one of the deadliest streets. Twelve people died in pedestrians accidents along Broadway between 2009 and 2011.
Just days after the release of this information, a small child was killed in a pedestrian accident in Harlem. According to the New York Daily News, a 6-year-old boy was hit by a truck at E. 117th St. and First Ave. He died as a result of severe head trauma.
Pedestrians in New York City need to be sure they are alert when they are crossing the street. However, drivers must remain attentive in order to avoid pedestrian accidents. In the blink of an eye, a person can be left with serious and sometimes fatal injuries. In a city with so many people, everyone must do what they can to prevent tragic accidents from happening.
People who are injured by a negligent driver have legal options to consider. They may be able to hold a reckless driver responsible through a civil lawsuit. If successful, they may be able to obtain compensation to cover costly medical bills and to make up for lost wages.
Source: Gothamist, “Maps: New York City Pedestrian Fatalities By Borough,” Garth Johnston, Feb. 26, 2013
