Articles Tagged with pedestrian accident nyc

A new bill may offer better legal protection to pedestrians who are struck by motor vehicles while in the crosswalk. The bill which is supposed to be passed by the City Council this morning will close a loophole in the “Right of Way” law. Introduced by public advocate Letitia James, the bill will give the right of way to pedestrians who  are in a crosswalk when the countdown clock is in progress or when the signal is flashing.

So far the law only gives the right of way to pedestrians during the walk symbol. This loophole occurred because the countdown timers were installed in New York after the law was passed. Therefore drivers who are striking pedestrians during that specific time are not necessarily liable. Hopefully the City Council will correct this dangerous situation Today.

Read more in AM New York

Car accidents are the leading cause of death among children below 13 years old in New York City.  On average two third’s of the children who die in car accidents in New York are pedestrians. While most often fatal accidents are the result of reckless driving, it is also important to educate children about the dangers of the streets.

As part of the Vision Zero program, employees from the New York City Department of Transportation are now visiting schools to educate NYC children about potential dangers encountered when crossing the street. The highlight of this school campaign is a Hip Hop video which the DOT hopes may catch the attention of the children.