New York City Records Safest-Ever Year for Pedestrians: But People Are Still Suffering

New York City has struggled with pedestrian safety for decades. Hit-and-runs seem to occur with each passing week. These accidents are often caused by dangerous police chases, intoxicated drivers, and even negligent bus drivers. Hundreds of people lose their lives each year due to hit-and-runs in New York, and thousands more suffer serious injuries. In 2024, NYC announced its best-ever year for pedestrian safety. But all it takes is a single pedestrian collision to change your life forever. A hit-and-run in Manhattan can leave you with severe, potentially career-ending injuries and a lifetime of ongoing medical expenses.

New York Continues to Struggle with Pedestrian Safety 

In March of 2024, transportation authorities in New York City announced its safest-ever year for pedestrians. “Only” 101 pedestrians lost their lives in 2023, and this is apparently the lowest number in over a century. For a city of 8.5 million people, this is definitely a step in the right direction. For reference, over 700 pedestrians lost their lives due to traffic accidents in 1990 – double the national rate.

The City has implemented numerous strategies to achieve this goal. First, NYC became the first in the nation to implement the “Vision Zero” plan – which includes numerous steps to improve traffic safety across the board. The name of this program refers to the goal of having zero traffic fatalities within a calendar year. The City also reduced its speed limit to just 25 miles per hour and installed numerous traffic cameras. There are also plans to increase traffic cameras at an exponential rate within the next few years.

With all that said, pedestrians are still dying in New York. Although 101 deaths might seem positive, each one of these fatalities represents a mourning family. It is difficult to paint even a single death in a positive light.

2024 Shows Signs of Concern for Pedestrian Safety 

Although 2023 saw a record-low number of pedestrian deaths, there is no guarantee that this trend will continue. 2024 is showing signs of concern – and a number of pedestrian accidents have made national headlines. One involved an apparent hit-and-run committed by an MTA bus driver – while another left Hollywood actress Carrie Bernans in critical condition.

Key Takeaways 

• Everyone is vulnerable to hit-and-runs – even celebrities
• Over 220 people in New York died due to hit and runs during 2023 alone
• Personal injury lawyers can help victims pursue compensation after hit and runs

Find a Qualified, Experienced Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Manhattan 

If you’ve been searching for a qualified, experienced New York car accident lawyer, look no further than Cohan Law, PLLC. We know how devastating hit-and-runs can be in Manhattan, and we can guide you toward the compensation you need and deserve. Pursuing compensation in these situations can be challenging, and these challenges highlight the need for effective legal representation. Reach out today to book your consultation and get started with an action plan.

Sources: 

fox5ny.com/news/death-on-nyc-streets-hit-and-run-crashes-are-on-the-rise-and-culprits-are-getting-away-with-it

ca.news.yahoo.com/black-panther-actress-carrie-bernans-133022987.html