New York State Invests in Pedestrian Safety

 New York City and San Francisco were the pioneers of the Vision Zero program in the nation resolving to eliminate traffic accident fatalities including pedestrian deaths. Now, New York State’s is putting $110 million into its first comprehensive pedestrian safety plan. According to a news report in Nextcity.org, the initiative will target communities outside of New York City over the next five years for engineering improvements, education efforts and an enforcement campaign. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said supporting these education and enforcement efforts will help set a new safety standard for pedestrians and motorists and help make the state’s roadways safe for all.

Pedestrian Accidents in New York
According to the New York State Department of Transportation, in 2015 alone, there were 3,672 pedestrian accidents in Upstate New York and Long Island. Between 2011 and 2015, there were 631 fatal pedestrian accidents. More than half of fatal injury crashes occurred at intersections. A number of accidents also occur due to motorist negligence, especially while making turns at intersections. In addition, there are those devastating collisions, which occur as a result of motorists failing to yield the right of way to pedestrians in crosswalks.
What is Being Done
New York Department of Transportation’s engineers are looking at a number of low-cost solutions to boost safety at intersections. The state is considering banning right turns on red at some intersections or putting in signs reminding drivers that they are required to yield to pedestrians when making a right turn on red. Site evaluations are set to begin this year at 2,000 crosswalks without traffic signals and at 2,400 intersections with signals. Local communities that have seen the highest number of crashes between 2009 and 2013 will be given top priority for these projects.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
An overwhelmingly high number of pedestrian accidents occur due to the negligence of motorists. Here are some of the most common examples of motorist negligence that cause pedestrian accidents:
• Distracted or inattentive driving
• Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs
• Failing to yield the right of way to a pedestrian in a crosswalk or intersection
• Failing to yield to pedestrians while exiting or entering a driveway
• Failure to follow the rules of the road
• Fatigued or drowsy driving
Devastation of Pedestrian Accidents
Even a minor vehicle versus pedestrian collision can be absolutely devastating for the pedestrian. These victims not only suffer physical trauma, but are also affected psychologically. The physical injuries may leave pedestrians with long-term or lifelong disabilities because pedestrians don’t have the kind of protection vehicle occupants have. According to studies, 50 percent of pedestrian accident victims suffer injuries to their lower extremities, 30 percent on the head, face and neck and 27 percent to their upper extremities. Some of the common injuries suffered by pedestrians include broken bones, torn cartilage, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage and internal injuries such as punctured lungs and ruptured spleen. Psychological effects from pedestrian accidents may include insomnia, anxiety, panic attacks and depression. Some may even suffer from post traumatic stress disorder or PTSD.
Compensation for Victims
Injured victims of pedestrian accidents can seek compensation from at-fault parties for damages including, but not limited to, medical expenses, lost wages and benefits, hospitalization, rehabilitation, permanent injuries, disabilities, past and future pain and suffering, etc. Those who have suffered long-term or permanent disabilities may also be able to claim loss of livelihood or earning capacity because they may never be able to work again.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident or if you have lost a loved one in an auto accident caused by a reckless driver or due to someone else’s negligence, the experienced New York personal injury attorneys at the Law Offices of Kenneth A. Wilhelm can help you better understand your legal rights and options, and also fight hard to recover just compensation for you. Our law firm recently recovered $5,600,000 for a man who was hit by a van, and $2,550,000 for another victim of a truck accident, and $3,000,000 for a pedestrian who was hit by a car, and the full $1,000,000 insurance policy for a pedestrian who was hit by a truck.
Please contact us TOLL FREE 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-800-WORK-4-YOU (1-800-967-5496). WE CAN EVEN COME TO YOU. There is no attorneys’ fee unless we recover money for you. We can also help with personal injury cases in New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, or Florida. If you have been seriously injured in any of the 50 U.S. states, please call us and we will try to help you with your case.
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Source: https://nextcity.org/daily/entry/new-york-state-pedestrian-safey-initiative-cuomo