With the nicer weather approaching us here in the New York City/Long Island metro area, more and more people are spending time outdoors. While the warmer weather can be enjoyable, it also, unfortunately, has its own hidden dangers. Consider these facts about pedestrian accidents:

  • Of all motor vehicle accident fatalities, pedestrian/car accidents account for 11%;
  • Between 1975 and 2005, more than 180,000 pedestrians have been killed in motor vehicle accidents;
  • On average, one pedestrian is killed in a motor vehicle accident every 111 minutes;
  • In 2005 alone, almost 5000 pedestrians were killed in motor vehicle accidents;
  • According to the National Safety Counsel, more than 85% of non-fatal pedestrian accidents occur in urban areas nationally;
  • Almost 70% percent of pedestrian fatalities are male;
  • The male pedestrian injury rate is almost 60% percent higher than for females.

It seems that there are several commonalities amongst all pedestrian accidents involving motor vehicles:

  • Drivers are inattentive;
  • Drivers are preoccupied;
  • Drivers fail to yield the right of way;
  • Drivers exceed posted speed limits;
  • Drivers fail to heed traffic control signals and signs;

Likewise, there many actions that can be taken to avoid more pedestrian accidents, such as the maintenance, repair and installation of sidewalks, overpasses and ‘refuge islands’, which also serve as medians in the midst of busy avenues; more nighttime lighting; relocation of bus stops to put them closer to traffic lights; installation of speed bumps, etc.

Pedestrians themselves can also take important steps to reduce being hit by a car, such as: wearing lightly colored, reflective clothing at night; making use of sidewalks and crosswalks; making sure to obey pedestrian traffic signals (“Walk”, “Don’t Walk”); and as my mom and dad always said, ‘look both ways before crossing’!

In any event, serious injury is always bound to occur when the force of a traveling car hits a pedestrian, causing it to move in unnatural ways at unnatural speeds. Some of these injuries, while not readily visible, are internal and can nonetheless be serious enough to require hospitalization and surgery. It is always a good idea to get examined by a physician if you have been a victim of a motor vehicle accident. Better safe than sorry.

You should also contact a personal injury lawyer who will help you receive justice and compensation for your injuries. If you do not have an attorney, call us here at the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP 516.358.6900, or email us directly at RJaffe@LCJLawfirm.com.

Richard Jaffe, Esq.
Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP
www.lcjLawFirm.com
516.358.6900