Driving in Brooklyn can be a real hassle given the number of cars on the road at any given time. You cannot always count on buses or the subway arriving on time. Sometimes, the best way to get around in New York City is to simply walk where you want to go. However, being a pedestrian carries the risk that you could be struck by a car. One report conducted earlier this year reports that some segments of the population are more apt to lose their lives in a pedestrian accident than other segments of the population.
Older residents more likely to be killed in a pedestrian accident
The NYPD reports that seniors in New York City constituted 35% of all traffic deaths each year, even though they only comprised 13% of the city’s population. One study stated that Staten Island was the most dangerous location to be a pedestrian, although all boroughs in New York City were within the top 10 most dangerous locations to be a pedestrian except for Queens. Across the U.S. in 2020 pedestrian fatalities were on the rise even though there were fewer drivers on the road.
How can motorists avoid causing a pedestrian accident?
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration offers some tips motorists can follow to avoid causing a pedestrian accident. Perhaps the simplest tip is to simply follow the rules of the road. Motorists should not speed and should obey stop signs and traffic lights. Drunk driving and distracted driving should always be avoided. Motorists should yield to pedestrians at intersections. Motorists should not obstruct crosswalks, as this could force pedestrians to walk into traffic. Finally, motorists should always exercise pedestrian awareness especially when visibility is reduced, for example, at night or when it is foggy, raining or snowing outside.
What can you do if you are struck by a motorist?
Pedestrians are especially vulnerable to injury and death if they are struck by a car. Those who are injured may wonder what their options are for pursuing compensation. In some circumstances they may be able to pursue a personal injury claim based on negligence. If successful they may be awarded compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering and more.