How Bad Weather Conditions Can Impact NYC Pedestrian Safety
Pedestrian accidents in New York City are, unfortunately, common, given the bustling streets and high foot traffic. One often overlooked contributing factor to these accidents is weather. Adverse weather conditions can significantly increase the risk of injury to pedestrians, highlighting the need for increased awareness and caution among both pedestrians and drivers.
Tourists Injured in NYC
New York City is a top destination for tourists from across the country and around the globe. The city offers a vast array of things to do, is the location of some of the world’s finest restaurants, and offers Broadway shows, world-class museums, and Central Park, to name just a few places. Tourists love New York. As reported by the New York Times, a record 65 million people visited the city in a recent year.
Many people who visit the city don’t consider what they would do if an accident occurs. But we do.
Street Sweeper Dangers
Street sweepers are deployed throughout New York City to keep the streets clean and make sure debris is cleared away. These vehicles are large and heavy and can easily do damage to people and property if not operated properly. The people who drive these machines may make mistakes, which can have catastrophic consequences for themselves or others.
Since they are operated by employees of the Department of Sanitation, if an accident does occur, the City may be held liable for the recklessness of its workers.
Construction Sites Pose Many Risks to Pedestrians
As a pedestrian walking around New York, you will inevitably find yourself near a construction site of some kind: new buildings, repairs or remodels of existing structures, housing developments, and so on. In these areas, numerous hazards and dangers present themselves.
New York Traffic Law and Pedestrian Safety: Part 2
Sharing Sidewalks and Roads
In part 1 of this post, we discussed New York traffic laws for pedestrians.
Now, we will look at the second half of the sections dealing with pedestrians and explain what each one means. You should only use this as a general explanation of these laws, and speak to a knowledgeable attorney if you have specific questions or need legal advice.
New York Traffic Law and Pedestrian Safety: Part 1
Who Has the Right of Way?
There are many traffic laws in New York that apply specifically to pedestrians, and we’re going to take a look. This post is split into two parts; each part discussing different sections of New York traffic code. The original language of these sections is pretty complex and often excessive, so we’re going to try to make it easier to understand.
Do You Know Safe Pedestrian Habits for the Holiday Shopping Season?
Although walking on sidewalks and going shopping might not bring all the dangerous of operating a large motor vehicle on an icy road, there are still some habits and tips to keep in mind in order to make sure you stay safe. Sidewalks can present numerous dangers in winter for pedestrians, especially slush and ice that can be very treacherous. Watch out for wet and dangerous conditions in store entrances, and be mindful of other pedestrians to make sure no one is injured while shopping.
Is Pokemon Go Dangerous for Pedestrians?
Pokemon Go is a free-to-play game released for mobile smartphones that has become one of the most popular apps around. Players look at maps on their smartphone screens to find where to go in order to capture creatures called Pokemon, and then battle other players with similar creatures. It is fun and mostly harmless, yet there have been numerous accidents reported since the game’s release. In fact, the NYPD has issued warnings to players regarding their own safety.
How to Avoid Crosswalk Accidents
Pedestrian accidents, even in crosswalks, account for a fairly small number of vehicular crashes each year, but can be devastating for the pedestrian involved. Serious injury and fatality is more likely to occur for the pedestrian, who is unprotected against a vehicle, rather than the driver. As a pedestrian, it is important to know how to avoid these kinds of accidents, not only to ensure personal safety but to also reduce responsibility if there is a crash.
Woman Killed in Brooklyn Crash
A 77-year-old woman was killed crossing the street when a van driver failed to yield the right of way. The fatal pedestrian accident occurred at East 21st Street and Gravesend Neck Road in Sheepshead Bay in Brooklyn. Officials say she was crossing the road when a 2005 Ford Econoline delivery van turned left and struck her. She was rushed to Coney Island Hospital but, died from her injuries. The 23-year-old Midwood driver behind the wheel of the van has been charged with failure to yield and failure to exercise due care.