Too Many Injuries and Deaths to People Hit by a Car While Crossing the Street

Most New York City intersections are well sign-posted, and it is clear when pedestrians have the right of way to cross a street. Nonetheless, even the most careful pedestrian who only crosses legally can be at risk of being hit by a car while crossing the street. Some common ways these accidents happen include:

• Speeding: When drivers speed through busy intersections, they risk hitting pedestrians who have the right of way. A speeding driver is unable to stop the vehicle fast enough, and may not even check for oncoming cars or pedestrians.
• Drivers failing to yield: It’s common to see cars and taxis alike edging into the crosswalk on a red light, quickly turning right or left, and failing to observe a pedestrian. Even at low speeds, drivers who fail to yield can cause serious injuries to those who are hit while legally crossing the street.
• Driver errors while turning: Even when vehicles have the green light, drivers must check carefully to ensure that no pedestrians are crossing at the intersection.
• Distracted driving: If a driver’s hands and eyes are on a cellphone, a conversation, or other distraction, rather than the road ahead, it becomes far more possible to miss the presence of a pedestrian, and cause a serious injury accident.