Pedestrian Accidents in New York: What You Can Do to Prevent Them

Pedestrian accidents are happening more and more often.

In 2014, there were 4,884 pedestrian fatalities across the U.S. This number rose to 5,375 pedestrian fatalities in 2015, the latest year for which numbers are available.

Why is this happening? While there are probably a number of factors, one of the biggest is that both pedestrians and drivers are distracted by their phones. Additionally, pedestrians don’t use crosswalks as often as they should, which causes more accidents, especially in urban areas.

How do we know this? Because over 70 percent of pedestrian fatalities occur outside of intersections.

Consider these statistics about pedestrian injuries:

• On an average day in the United States, 430 people visit the emergency room with pedestrian injuries. About 12 pedestrians die every day in traffic-related accidents.
• In a traffic crash at 20 miles per hour, 90 percent of pedestrians survive the accident. However, when the speed increases to 45 miles per hour, only 35 percent survive.
• Males are more likely than females to be fatally wounded in a pedestrian accident. The risk increases if the pedestrian is legally intoxicated.
• Age also increases the risk of pedestrian accidents. Although Americans age 65 or older comprise 13 percent of the total population, they account for 21 percent of pedestrian fatalities.
• Pedestrians between the ages of 15 and 29 years old are the most likely age group to visit the emergency room with their injuries.
• Children are at greater risk of pedestrian injuries or death due to their lack of experience walking near traffic, their lack of ability to correctly judge speed and distance, and their smaller size, which makes them less visible.

These types of accidents are particularly devastating because they tend to cause serious injuries.

In this post, we’ll detail the ways you can stop pedestrian accidents from occurring and advise you on what to do if you are hurt because of someone else’s negligence.

Pedestrian Safety Tips While Walking around New York

These tips will help you stay safe while you’re walking the streets.

Pay Attention

Don’t walk while texting or looking at your phone. Keep your eyes ahead to watch for obstacles and sudden changes in foot traffic.

Use Sidewalks

Sidewalks, when available, are much safer places to walk than the street. If no sidewalk is available, walk on the shoulder as far from the road as possible in the opposite direction from the traffic flow.

Don’t Jaywalk

Your risk of injury or death increases when you don’t cross in designated areas. Make sure you are crossing in a designated area or intersection.

Practice Critical Thinking Skills

You need concentration and focus when walking, just like you do when you are driving. Judge the speed and distance of traffic before crossing. Follow intersection signals and don’t attempt to cross if you can’t make it through the crosswalk countdown.

Use Caution at Crossing Areas

Drivers aren’t always paying attention as they should in crosswalks and intersections, and you must be defensive as a pedestrian. Look in all directions several times before crossing.

Dress Appropriately at Night

If you’re walking at night, you can protect yourself by wearing light-colored or reflective clothing and carrying a flashlight.

Teach Your Child Good Habits

Take your child on walks to teach him or her traffic rules. Make sure your child looks both ways before crossing the street in designated areas and remind him or her to pay attention.

Seek Legal Help for a Pedestrian Accident

Pedestrian injuries happen every day in New York. Even if you take all possible precautions, you can still be seriously hurt in a pedestrian accident.

These are the most common injuries that occur from pedestrian accidents:

• Broken bones
• Back injuries
• Concussions
• Sprains
• Strains

If you’ve experienced any of these injuries, you may need months of therapy, surgery, or medication to treat your symptoms. The cost for these treatments can add up quickly. If your injury directly resulted from someone else’s negligence, you may have grounds for a personal injury lawsuit.

If someone else is at fault for your injury, you shouldn’t have to foot the bill for your medical expenses. You may have lost income from days missed at work, and you may be dealing with emotional trauma from the event. A skilled attorney can help you receive the compensation you deserve.

Call today for a free case review with an experienced New York lawyer who has handled other pedestrian accident cases like yours. We will protect your rights under New York laws and work to secure the best possible outcome for your case.