Report Finds Drivers Cause Most Fatal New York City Pedestrian Accidents

A variety of traffic violations contribute to pedestrian accidents. Speeding and distracted driving such as texting are two major causes.

2012-10-27

October 27, 2012 (Press-News.org) New York residents who enjoy walking and biking know the importance of safety. It is often assumed that when a pedestrian or biker is killed in a motor-vehicle accident, it is simply an incident caused by the victim's own negligence.

It is surprising that a majority of fatal personal injury accidents involving pedestrians and bikers in New York City are actually caused by drivers who break the law, according to an article in The Epoch Times which cited a study by Transportation Alternatives, a transit advocacy group. A variety of traffic violations contribute to pedestrian accidents. Speeding and distracted driving, such as texting, are two major causes.

The new report reveals that between 2001 and 2010, cars killed a total of 1,745 people while walking or biking on city streets. The report goes on to grimly state that this means "over 1000 lives were ended because of a driver who did not follow the law." Sixty percent of these crashes "with known causes are caused by illegal driving behavior, like speeding and distracted driving." Additionally, 36 percent involved "driver inattention."

The NYPD is facing criticism for not properly investigating these types of accidents. The department's Accident Investigation Squad is designated to look into pedestrian accidents.

The AIS is made up of 23 NYPD members, 19 of whom are detectives. However, they only investigate an accident if a death has occurred or is anticipated. Additionally, a police officer outside the investigation squad may only issue a ticket if he or she actually witnesses the accident.

Some feel this sends a negative message to pedestrians. Unless someone dies or is likely to die, the accident will not be investigated and the driver will not face consequences.

If a fatality does occur or is likely to, the AIS will perform investigative activities such as exploring the surroundings, viewing camera footage and talking to witnesses. The officers also consider physical evidence like skid marks.

However, some consider this process to be largely inadequate. An attorney interviewed by The Epoch Times noted that the AIS investigation will often contain enough information for a basic civil action, but it often contains minimal and incomplete findings.

A former NYPD officer explains in the article that police usually focus on more serious crimes like homicide and murder, to the detriment of pedestrian-accident investigations.

Transportation Alternatives asserts that current New York state law requires police to thoroughly investigate traffic accidents that cause serious injury, not just fatality or probable fatality.

Individuals suffering personal injury from pedestrian accidents face financial, medical and legal issues. An experienced personal injury attorney can provide guidance as well as assist with obtaining any available compensation.

Article provided by Sarkis Law Firm
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