BEING A PEDESTRIAN ON STATEN ISLAND IS DANGEROUS

Being a Pedestrian on Staten Island is challenging. The number of Pedestrian Fatalities have remained consistent over the past 30 years.

(Graph and data courtesy of the DOT indicating about an average of 10 pedestrian fatalities from 1990 to 2013 on Staten Island).

In 2022, on Staten Island, there were 13 total traffic fatalities, a decrease of 1 from the 14 recorded in 2021, according to recent numbers.

While the 13 traffic deaths in 2022 represent a slight decrease from the year prior, the number remains nearly twice as high as the seven recorded in 2018, when the number of Staten Island traffic deaths reached its lowest point in recent history.

Transportation Alternatives, one of New York City’s leading safe streets advocacy groups, released a new analysis of New York City’s 2022 traffic fatalities, finding that:

• 97% of Pedestrians killed were struck by drivers of motor vehicles.
• 114 pedestrians were killed by vehicles,
•  4 were killed by micro mobility devices such as bikes, e-bikes, or e-scooters.

The New York Department of State reports that injuries to pedestrians are among the top 10 leading causes of injury-related hospital admissions and death for almost all age groups. Approximately 300 pedestrians are killed and 15,000 are injured by motor vehicles each year on the state’s roadways, and more than 3,000 pedestrians are admitted to the hospital annually.

Nationally, according to the Governors Highway Safety Association, the findings in the annual Spotlight on Highway Safety report indicate:

• Drivers struck and killed 3,441 pedestrians in the first six months of 2021, up 17 percent from the same period one year earlier. The increase amounts to 507 more lives lost under the wheels of cars than the same period in 2020.
• Only 11 states had decreases in pedestrian deaths in the first six months of 2021, while 39 states and the District of Columbia experienced increases.
• There were 1.04 pedestrian deaths per 100,000 people, up from .90 in 2019 and 2020. That’s a 15.5-percent increase.

Pedestrian accidents often result in serious injuries. In many accidents, a pedestrian sustains what is commonly known as a “bumper fracture.” This occurs when a car bumper hits the pedestrian’s pelvis and legs shattering his or her bones.

Another common injury involving pedestrians occurs when a pedestrian is “scooped” off the ground by the front of a car and smashed onto the hood and the windshield causing traumatic brain injury.

Further compounding this injury is the natural reaction of the driver to step on the brake. This results in the pedestrian being thrown to the ground, causing further injury to the brain as well as spinal and pelvic injuries.

In order to avoid motor vehicle accidents as a Pedestrian, a few precautions should be taken:

• Use sidewalks. When available, they are the safest place to walk. If no sidewalk is provided, it is usually safer to walk facing road traffic, as far left as possible, but use extreme caution. Stay off freeways and other restricted zones.
• Be visible. Light colors and wearing clothes with reflective materials make you stand out. If you’re in a very dark area, you might want to carry a flashlight as well, to help see where you’re going and make yourself more visible.
• Stay alert. There are a lot of distracted drivers on the road, so be aware at all times. Don’t allow your vision to be blocked by clothing or hats or yourself to get distracted using your cell phone. Make eye contact with drivers to have a sense of whether they see you.
• Avoid alcohol and drugs. They can greatly impair your ability to walk safely and make good decisions. This also includes some over-the-counter medications. Read labels to know potential side effects.
• Cross streets within Cross Walks or at a Corner. While it may be tempting to cross mid-block, this is where most injuries occur. Using traffic signals and crosswalks is much safer, especially in high-traffic areas.
• Look both ways. Look left, then right, then left again before crossing. Keep your eyes open as you cross and be aware that drivers might not see you even though you can see them.
• Always avoid texting. When walking or crossing a street, avoid cell phone use completely so you are observant of your surroundings and to reduce risks and dangers. Texting and walking is distracting and makes it difficult to watch for traffic and obstacles in your path.

Are you searching for a trusted Staten Island Car Accident Lawyer to ensure your family receives full compensation after a car accident? Look no further than The Bisignano Law Firm. With our successful track record in assisting victims, we are dedicated to securing comprehensive compensation tailored to your individual circumstances. Leave the responsibility to us as we handle all aspects of your case, allowing you to focus on healing. Our priority is to see families fully compensated and justice served. Contact us now for a consultation to discuss your options and rights.

Seeking a reputable law firm that puts your needs first? Look no further than The Bisignano Law Firm. We provide free consultations, allowing you to explore your legal options without any upfront costs. Our experienced attorneys are determined to recover compensation for you, ensuring you won’t have to worry about upfront expenses. Trust our firm to handle your case efficiently and effectively, fighting for the compensation you deserve.