High concentration of NYC traffic accidents occur in Manhattan
Residents and commuters of New York City are accustomed to fighting traffic congestion. On a daily basis millions of taxis, buses, cars, bicycles and pedestrians crowd onto Manhattan’s streets and traffic jams are a common occurrence. With all the commotion and distractions that often accompany a typical drive or walk throughout the city, it’s not surprising that traffic accidents are common.
In fact city officials estimate that, annually, roughly 4,000 people are seriously injured in traffic accidents and 250 killed. While the city continues to plan and execute initiatives aimed to eliminate traffic accidents with its Vision Zero Action Plan, people continue to be injured and killed by drivers who are distracted, speed, run red lights and fail to yield the right of way.
According to city data, as of July 31, 2015, a total of 29,376 traffic-related injuries and 124 deaths were reported. High concentrations of these accidents occur in downtown and midtown Manhattan during the morning and afternoon rush hours. Among those fatalities recorded, significant percentages involve pedestrian victims.
Drivers in Manhattan are advised to be extra vigilant and cautious when driving around the city. An estimated 70 percent of pedestrian-related traffic deaths in the city are directly caused by drivers who violate traffic laws.
For individuals who have been injured in or who have lost a loved one in a traffic accident, it’s wise to speak to an attorney. A personal injury attorney will advocate on one’s behalf and fight to recover compensation that can help ease the financial burdens that often result from involvement in a motor vehicle accident.
Source: NYC.gov, “Vision Zero,” Aug. 19, 2015
