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Why Are More Pedestrians & Cyclists Dying in NYC?

After a number of pedestrians and cyclists have been killed in New York City in 2020, many are wondering what the city can be doing better to prevent fatalities and injuries on the road. Despite Mayor Bill De Blasio’s efforts to eliminate all traffic deaths in a safety plan known as Vision Zero, 124 pedestrians and 28 cyclists were killed in traffic collisions last year, according to the New York City Department of Transportation, and this year is already off to a dangerous start.

Despite the fact that some people assume pedestrians are killed by running into traffic and bicyclists are injured by breaking rules, just 5% of fatal crashes in 2019 were attributed to pedestrian and bicyclist error in New York. Most pedestrian and bicyclist accidents are caused by motor vehicle driver errors.

The New York Times analyzed city crash data on traffic collisions causing deaths to pedestrians and bicyclists and determined that most accidents are caused by careless driving, which can include speeding and inattention. In February, de Blasio signed a new law that will allow the city to seize cars if drivers have too many tickets for speeding or running red lights.

Forms of careless driving include:

  • Failure to yield to pedestrians and bicyclists crossing the street
  • Speeding
  • Disregarding traffic signals or signs
  • Distracted driving, including texting or talking on the phone
  • Failure to check blind spots or signal before merging or changing lanes
  • Drunk driving
  • Road rage or aggressive driving, which can include tailgating or dangerously maneuvering around other vehicles

Which Areas are Dangerous in NYC?

For bicyclists, Brooklyn is the most dangerous place to ride, accounting for 17 of 28 fatalities so far. According to the transportation commissioner, the area is gentrifying and resulting in a dangerous mix of trucks as well as residents who enjoy walking or biking in the area.

There have also been several reported pedestrian deaths in Chelsea and Harlem. An older woman was killed when she was crossing the street in Chelsea and a pickup truck struck her last year. An older man was killed just two blocks away several months prior by a truck backing into a parking spot.

How Our Attorneys Can Help

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motor vehicle accident as a pedestrian or bicyclist, don’t hesitate to learn how our personal injury attorneys can help. We can discuss your case and determine what legal options are available to you. Because pedestrians and bicyclists are known to suffer more serious injuries after being struck by motor vehicles, you may also be facing thousands of dollars in medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. At Belushin Law Firm, P.C., we put your rights and needs first and can secure the financial compensation you need to heal. Let us help your family through this difficult time.

Call Belushin Law Firm, P.C. at (888) 918-9890, or contact us online for a free consultation with our experienced personal injury attorneys. With millions recovered for clients, we can be relied on to fight for your rights to compensation.