The best ideas to avoid accidents involving city pedestrians
The Bronx -- and New York City in general -- have attractions, restaurants and more to offer with every step you take, which brings thousands of pedestrians to the streets of the city at any given moment. More people traversing the streets means more opportunities for danger for those pedestrians.
Walking and bicycling are not new to the Bronx and the rest of New York City’s boroughs, but according to Fast Company, those activities are more dangerous than ever.
Cyclist fatalities have increased 25 percent since 2010 and pedestrian deaths have risen 45 percent. More people are being killed because cities are encouraging residents to walk and bike, but their roads are still dominated by fast-moving vehicular traffic, according to Fast Company.
New York pedestrian deaths on the rise
A recent New York Post article states that traffic fatalities in general in New York are on the decline, but that pedestrian deaths have risen slightly.
The total number of deaths in 2018 so far is 196. Last year, there were 221 road fatalities. Those 196 deaths include 111 pedestrians, 39 people on motorcycles, 36 motor-vehicle operators and passengers and 10 cyclists. Still, a slightly higher number of pedestrians and motorcyclists died this year than in 2017, stats show. There were five more pedestrians killed and six more on motorcycles.
Today there is growing support for bicycling in many U.S. cities for both commuting and recreation, along with efforts to better separate pedestrians and cyclists from cars.
Vision Zero, a strategy first proposed in Sweden in 1997, imagines cities with no traffic fatalities or serious injuries. At least 18 U.S. cities and states have signed on to reach that goal by 2024, including Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York and Washington, D.C.
They bring together local leaders in health, traffic engineering, police enforcement, policy and advocacy to develop and share strategies, policies and practices that make their vision a reality. Until it is, however, Bronx pedestrians are urged to be aware of their surroundings on all city streets.
Injured in a pedestrian accident? Know your rights. Contact an attorney today!
If you were a pedestrian injured in an auto accident because of someone else’s negligence, don’t hesitate to speak to an attorney. At Giampa Law, we understand how devastating it is to be injured while just walking down the street. We are dedicated to fighting for the rights of injured motorists in the Bronx and throughout New York City. Contact us today to find out how we can help you.
