A 79-year old man was struck and killed by an SUV as he crossed the street in Queens this past Sunday Night. The pedestrian was crossing at Northern Boulevard and Prince Street in Flushing around 6:00p.m. when he was hit by a Ford Explorer driven by a 56-year old woman. The driver remained at the scene and will not be facing criminal charges. The man was taken to New York Hospital Queens in critical condition, where he later died from his injuries.
The dangerous traffic conditions on Northern Boulevard are well known and the roadway was specifically targeted as part of Mayor Bill DeBlasio’s Vision Zero program. The program was implemented in 2014 to reduce the number of traffic fatalities and accidents. The Mayor held a press conference on Northern Boulevard when the program was put into effect, recognizing the dangerous nature of the major roadway.
While Vision Zero and its safety programs helped produce a reduction in New York City pedestrian and cyclist injuries in 2015, 2016 has seen increases in the number of injuries and fatalities up to this point last year. In an effort to reduce these injuries and deaths, specifically with regard to Northern Boulevard, the city has implemented several programs under the Vision Zero plan, including red light cameras.
If you or someone you know has been seriously injured in a pedestrian accident, please call our office for a free consultation.
