🚶♀️ Pedestrian Safety in New York City: A Growing Concern
In the first nine months of 2024, New York City recorded 645 serious pedestrian injuries and 121 fatalities, marking a 13% rise in serious injuries and a 21% increase in deaths compared to 2023. This makes it the deadliest start to a year for pedestrians since Vision Zero began in 2014.
- Serious Injuries: 645 pedestrians were seriously injured between January and September 2024.
- Fatalities: 121 pedestrians lost their lives between January 1 and December 30, 2024.
- Trend: Pedestrian fatalities and serious injuries both rose sharply year-over-year.
- Context: The first half of 2024 had the highest pedestrian death rate in a decade, challenging the city’s Vision Zero goals.
Fall evenings are particularly dangerous. Rush hour coincides with reduced daylight, increasing the likelihood of severe or fatal crashes. To learn more about the city’s Vision Zero efforts, visit nyc.gov/visionzero.
Hidden Dangers for NYC Pedestrians
Even cautious pedestrians face risks in a city as busy as New York. Five often overlooked hazards contribute to many pedestrian injuries and fatalities:
- Distracted Walking: Smartphones, headphones, and conversations can take your attention off the road.
- Poor Visibility: Low light, rain, or fog makes pedestrians hard to see, especially without reflective clothing.
- Vehicles Backing Up: Be alert near driveways and parking lots; pedestrians have the right of way in these areas.
- Driver Failure to Yield: Many collisions occur when drivers fail to yield at marked or unmarked crosswalks.
- Walking in the Wrong Direction: When no sidewalk is available, always walk facing traffic so drivers can see you sooner.
Under New York law, pedestrians have the right of way at all crosswalks, marked or unmarked. If a negligent driver injures you, you may be entitled to compensation for medical costs, lost income, and other damages.
Pedestrian Safety Tips
Everyone is a pedestrian at some point. Whether walking to your car, commuting, or crossing a street. Following these simple guidelines can help keep you safe:
Be Safe & Be Seen
- Wear light-colored or reflective clothing at night or during bad weather.
- Carry a flashlight when walking after dark.
- Make eye contact with drivers before crossing.
Be Smart & Be Alert
- Walk on sidewalks whenever possible; if not, walk facing traffic.
- Stay sober; alcohol and drugs impair your judgment and reaction time.
- Never assume a vehicle will stop; confirm that the driver sees you.
- Don’t rely solely on pedestrian signals; look both ways before stepping off the curb.
Be Careful at Crossings
- Cross streets only at marked crosswalks or intersections.
- Obey pedestrian signals such as WALK/DON’T WALK lights.
- Watch for turning vehicles and ensure drivers yield before crossing.
- Avoid distractions, such as cell phones or headphones, while crossing.
Tips for Drivers: Share the Road Responsibly
Be Alert
- Always check for pedestrians before turning.
- Never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Avoid texting or using your phone while driving.
- Keep your windshield clean and headlights on for better visibility.
Be Responsible
- Yield to pedestrians in all crosswalks, marked or unmarked.
- Never block or park in a crosswalk.
- Stop for school buses with flashing red lights.
- Slow down to 25 MPH or less to give you more time to react and avoid crashes.
Be Patient
- Never pass vehicles stopped for pedestrians.
- Obey all speed limits and come to a complete stop at stop signs.
- Turn at no more than 5 MPH, and always check for people in crosswalks.
Know Your Rights as a Pedestrian
How New York Law Protects You
- Right-of-Way: Pedestrians always have legal priority at crosswalks.
- Driver Liability: Negligent drivers can be held responsible for injuries they cause.
- Compensation: Victims can pursue damages for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- Negligence Examples: Speeding, distraction, impairment, or failure to yield.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident
If you are hit by a vehicle in NYC, it’s essential to call the police immediately. A police report provides crucial documentation for insurance and legal claims. Even if your injuries seem minor, seek medical evaluation. Some injuries, like internal trauma or concussions, may not show symptoms right away.
Once you’re safe, document the scene. Take photos or videos of your injuries, the vehicle, and any visible damage or skid marks. Gather the driver’s information, including their name, license number, insurance details, and contact information. If there are witnesses, ask for their names and phone numbers as well. When the police arrive, provide accurate information and request a copy of the accident report number for your records.
After addressing your immediate medical needs, contact an experienced pedestrian accident attorney as soon as possible. In New York, it’s essential to understand your rights under the state’s No-Fault Law and whether your injuries meet the “serious injury” threshold required for a personal injury claim.
An attorney can protect your rights, communicate with insurance companies, gather crucial evidence, and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. At Siler & Ingber Accident & Injury Attorneys, we guide victims through every step of the process, so you can focus on recovery while we fight for justice on your behalf.
Immediate Steps:
- Call 911: Get medical and police assistance, even for minor injuries.
- Ensure Safety: Move to a safe area if possible without worsening your injuries.
- Document Everything: Take photos and videos of your injuries, the vehicle, and the scene.
- Exchange Information: Collect the driver’s name, contact, insurance details, and any witness information.
- Cooperate with Police: Provide accurate facts and request the officer’s name and badge number.
Why Call Siler & Ingber Accident & Injury Attorneys
When you’re injured, having the right legal team on your side can make all the difference.
- Protect Your Rights: We guide you on what to say and do after an accident to avoid costly mistakes.
- Handle Legal & Insurance Complexities: Our attorneys investigate, gather evidence, and negotiate with insurers on your behalf.
- Navigate New York’s “No-Fault” Law: We explain your coverage and determine if your injuries meet the “serious injury” threshold for a lawsuit.
- Get Immediate Help: Early legal guidance increases your chance of receiving full and fair compensation.
Siler & Ingber Accident & Injury Attorneys
The Law Firm You Can Trust When It Matters Most
📍 Offices: 301 Mineola Blvd., Mineola, NY 11501
📞 Phone: (516) 294-2666
🌐 Website: https://www.nylawnet.com/
📧 Email: ringber@nylawnet.com
Serving clients across New York City and Long Island. No fee unless we win your case.
