The summer of 2021 saw a significant increase in the number of vehicles on roads across the United States. As can be expected, an increase in vehicle traffic leads to an increase in car accidents. Unfortunately, this trend has extended through the summer, and into fall. A string of recent car accidents on Staten Island highlights the dangers that can be found on New York City streets.
Data from a 2021 report by Transportation Alternatives concluded that Staten Island drivers were the worst offenders for breaking the speed limit compared to the other New York boroughs. Additionally, a recent study by Insurify Insights identified Staten Island as the number-one most dangerous place for pedestrians. The analyzed data included over 4 million insurance applications. The researchers calculated the proportion of drivers in the observed metro areas who received a citation for failing to yield for pedestrians.
According to the Staten Island Advance:
The national average across all metropolitan areas in the country showed that 4.86 out of every 10,000 drivers have been cited for failing to yield to pedestrians… On Staten Island, 53.6 out of every 10,000 drivers were cited for failing to yield to pedestrians, 11 times the national average.
These alarming discoveries spotlight just how dangerous it can be to be a pedestrian.
In response to this concerning increase in car accidents, multiple transportation safety organizations have taken initiatives to increase awareness and curb the alarming hike. The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Governor’s Highway Safety Association (GHSA) and the State Highway Safety Office (SHSO) are declaring October as the second annual National Pedestrian Safety Month. The collaboration of these four organizations is indicative of the severe risk posed to pedestrians during this period of heightened accidents. GHSA Executive Director Jonathan Adkins spoke sternly about the concerning situation, “The spike in pedestrian fatalities recently is unacceptable.
Nobody should have to worry about dying while walking. Vehicles are safer than ever for occupants, thanks to design changes and new safety features, but the same can’t be said for people on foot.” It is important to recognize the dangers that cars can pose, and the best way to protect you and your family in case of an accident is to trust in a proven injury attorney.
Since 1992, the Grandelli Law Firm has been firmly committed to receiving the maximum compensation under the law for injured clients. We have secured numerous multimillion-dollar verdicts and settlements for individuals involved in car accidents. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident as a result of someone’s negligence, please contact our office for a free consultation.
