- July 10, 2024
- Tucker Law
- Car Accident Lawsuits
Any time you get behind the wheel, there’s a risk of getting in a car accident. As you may already know, that risk is particularly high at intersections, and the NYC mayor wants to reduce car accident fatalities at New York intersections.
At the end of 2023, NYC Mayor Eric Adams announced that the city was doubling down on efforts to improve safety at intersections — going forward, the city will make safety improvements to 2,000 intersections per year. A series of pedestrian deaths prompted that decision, but these changes should improve safety for pedestrians and drivers alike.
If you’ve been hurt in one of New York’s many car accidents, you know it’s easy to feel like there’s no hope. However, a car accident attorney may be able to help you recover damages. Filing a personal injury claim with an attorney isn’t about money — it’s about holding negligent drivers accountable and getting the funds you need to cover medical bills and other expenses. At Tucker Lawyers, we believe that if you were not at fault for your accident, you shouldn’t be responsible for paying for it.
New York City has recently experienced an increase in pedestrian deaths at intersections, but new safety measures are poised to protect the safety of pedestrians, drivers, and bicyclists.
Intersections Dangerous for Drivers and Pedestrians
Unfortunately, it took a series of fatal car accidents to prompt the city to take action. Toward the end of 2023, there were three high-profile deaths — two involving young children:
- Three-year-old Quintas Cheng was killed in a hit-and-run in Queens in November 2023.
- Seven-year-old Kamari Hughes was killed by a tow truck driver for the NYPD in Brooklyn in October 2023.
- Also in October 2023, a dump truck struck and killed Krystyna Naprawa, a crossing guard in Queens.
This initiative isn’t the first one New York has implemented. In 2014, the city started Vision Zero, a program that emphasized increased education, improvements in engineering, and robust enforcement of traffic laws.
Have you lost a loved one or been injured in a car accident? Call Tucker Lawyers at (516) 399-2364 to set up a free consultation.
How the NYC Mayor Wants to Reduce Car Accident Fatalities
Vision Zero has been somewhat successful when it comes to protecting New Yorkers. But given the recent increase in deaths, it’s clear that it isn’t enough. The new initiative is doubling the number of intersections improved each year. In 2022, Mayor Adam announced that the city would make major safety improvements to 1,000 intersections in one year. Now, that number is being doubled to 2,000.
But what kinds of improvements is the city actually making? The new improvements are far-reaching:
Daylighting at Intersections
One of the problems contributing to the deaths of pedestrians in crosswalks is the lack of visibility for oncoming vehicles. When parking spaces are too close to sidewalks, they make it impossible for oncoming vehicles to see crossing pedestrians. Now, the city will use daylighting to reduce car accidents and pedestrian injuries. “Daylighting” simply removes these parking spots, letting oncoming vehicles get a better view of the crosswalks and see around corners.
Raising Crosswalks
Raising up a crosswalk might not seem like a major change. However, it makes it easier for oncoming vehicles to see pedestrians. As an added benefit, raised crosswalks act like speed bumps, encouraging drivers to slow down as they navigate the city. That can be especially important on some of the city’s most dangerous roads.
Installing Pedestrian Signals
Many New York City intersections have pedestrian signals, but not all of them do. By giving pedestrians a designated time to use crosswalks, these signals reduce the risk of pedestrian-involved accidents.
Publishing Traffic Fatality Statistics
New York City is also including traffic deaths and “traffic violence” in its published crime statistics. This kind of publication may incentivize drivers to be more careful. It also makes it easier for New Yorkers to track accidents involving pedestrians and cyclists and hold the city accountable.
Controlling Speed on City Vehicles
Speeding isn’t the only contributing factor when it comes to car accidents. However, because drivers of speeding vehicles have less time to react, exceeding the city speed limit makes it more likely that a driver will be involved in an accident. In New York City, non-emergency vehicles like school buses and tow trucks are now being equipped with technology that limits their speed.
Have You Been Hurt in a Car Accident in New York City?
The city’s safety measures will likely reduce traffic injuries and fatalities. But are intersections dangerous for drivers and pedestrians? The answer is still “yes.” Improving 2,000 intersections per year will make a significant difference — but there are more than 50,000 intersections in New York City.
If you’ve been a victim of a car accident in New York City, you already know that the accident is just the beginning of your struggles. If you’re severely injured, you’ll contend with significant physical and mental pain before you heal. You may face mounting medical bills while you’re unable to work — and if you’re the family breadwinner, that might lead to trouble covering everyday expenses. An accident only takes seconds, but those seconds can impact your life for years to come.
If you’ve been hurt in a car accident, Tucker Lawyers may be able to help. Contact us through our web form, use our live chat feature, or call us at (516) 399-2364 to set up a free consultation.
Managing Attorney John. J. Tucker, Esq.
John has personally handled thousands of clients who were victims of another’s negligence and fights relentlessly for their rights. John enjoys bringing closure to a client’s matter so that the injured party can move forward with their life. His background enables him to evaluate complex liability related claims and bring resolution to claims in a record time frame. [ Attorney Bio ]