Last Thursday night, Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas in Queens, a well-known advocate for safer streets, became a victim of the very issue she has been fighting against. While crossing 78th Street near 35th Avenue in Jackson Heights, she was struck by a driver, resulting in a broken arm, bruises, and undoubtedly, a shaken belief in the safety of her community’s streets.
The driver, who was making a left turn, failed to yield, knocking González-Rojas to the ground. Although the driver was not speeding, which possibly prevented more severe injuries or fatal consequences, the accident raises significant concerns about visibility and road safety in urban intersections.
González-Rojas pointed out the poor visibility at the intersection, a problem exacerbated by the lack of effective daylighting—a method that improves visibility by keeping corners clear of parked cars. This incident underscores the critical need for such safety measures in urban planning and road design.