New York City Study Exposes Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

A study conducted by the New York City Transportation Planner reveals some interesting facts about the cause of pedestrian accidents. It appears that common presumptions about the enormous dangers taxis pose against pedestrians are false.

From 2002-2006, the study examined 7,000 crashes in New York City involving a bus, taxi, private vehicle or truck, and at least one pedestrian that suffered serious injuries or death.

• Types of Vehicles: Surprisingly, taxis were the least threatening. Taxis accounted for about 16 percent of pedestrian crashes that led to death or serious injury. A startling revelation considering some estimate that taxis make up for 50 percent of Manhattan’s traffic most of the day. Private vehicles accounted for 79 percent of crashes, 13 percent involved buses, and 3 percent involved buses.
• Time of day: The study revealed that accidents resulting in serious bodily injury to pedestrians happened between the hours of 3 p.m. and 9 p.m., however, crashes resulting in pedestrians deaths happened during the early morning hours.
• Type of driver: The study also revealed that male drivers accounted for 80 percent of the total crashes.
• Borough of New York City: Brooklyn had the most pedestrians killed or seriously hurt; Staten Island the fewest.

Some hope the Bloomberg administration will use the study as a tool for future re-engineering of the city’s street grid to reduce injuries and save lives.

If you or someone you know suffered injuries as a pedestrian in an auto accident, contact an experienced attorney in your area.