Pedestrian safety is a major concern in New York City, where crowded streets and busy intersections make walking dangerous. Unfortunately, the number of pedestrian deaths in 2024 has been on the rise. Between January 1 and September 23, 87 pedestrians were killed—an increase of 28% compared to the same period last year. While last year's figure of 68 deaths was the lowest since Vision Zero began, these latest numbers show the need for continued action.
One common misconception is that micro-mobility devices such as e-bikes and scooters are largely to blame for the rise in injuries. However, data from the NYPD reveals that cars and larger vehicles are still the primary culprits. They cause most of the pedestrian fatalities and injuries. In response, the NYC DOT continues to work on several safety initiatives, including expanding pedestrian plazas and daylighting more intersections.
How are pedestrian deaths in NYC being addressed?
To address this issue, New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez (alongside Deputy Mayor of Operations Meera Joshi) announced a major boost in pedestrian safety efforts using a tactic called 'daylighting.' This method improves visibility by removing obstacles near intersections, such as parked cars, which can help prevent pedestrian deaths and injuries.
Officials have implemented this program at over 300 locations throughout the city. The goal is to make intersections safer by ensuring drivers have a clearer view. This can help reduce pedestrian accidents and other roadway incidents. NYC DOT is well on its way to hitting Mayor Eric Adams' target of enhancing safety at 1,000 intersections by the end of 2024. With 300 locations completed and the remaining 700 in progress, the department is ahead of schedule for this year's construction season.
How does daylighting prevent pedestrian deaths?
Intersections are particularly risky spots in New York City. They account for 51% of all crash fatalities and 68% of all injuries annually. The danger is even higher for pedestrians. Roughly 59% of pedestrian deaths and 77% of pedestrian-related injuries occur at intersections.
NYC DOT is also adding sidewalk extensions, which reduce crossing distances and slow down turning vehicles. This initiative is a part of the city's commitment to improving street safety, especially for children and other vulnerable pedestrians.
Where is daylighting being implemented throughout NYC?
As of August 2024, 314 locations throughout the city received daylighting treatments. This includes spots in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island. Nearly half of these intersections have additional features such as bike corrals, granite blocks, or turn-calming devices like rubber speed bumps. NYC DOT chose these locations based on crash data, cycling activity, equity, and testing outcomes to ensure the improvements were as effective as possible.
NYC DOT's push for daylighting follows recommendations from the National Association of City Transportation Officials. These recommendations identified daylighting as an effective way to reduce traffic incidents. Studies have shown that improving intersection visibility can significantly reduce crashes.
Pedestrian accident lawyers who fight to win
While these improvements should help boost pedestrian safety, that doesn't mean accidents still won't happen due to negligent drivers. If you've been hit by a car and injured in a pedestrian accident in New York City, you need an experienced attorney on your side to guide you through the process of recovering compensation for your losses.
Giampa Law is committed to protecting your rights and helping you get your life back on track. With offices in the Bronx and Westchester County, our experienced pedestrian accident lawyers are ready to help you demand justice and accountability.
Our legal team uses decades of experience to aggressively fight for every dollar you deserve. We've recovered millions for injured pedestrians in NYC, and we won't back down until justice is served. Some of our case results include:
- $1.5 million for a pedestrian hit by a car in Bronx County.
- $1.3 million for a delivery worker struck by a car.
- $950,000 for a Bronx pedestrian with a skull fracture.
You focus on your recovery—we'll handle everything else, from gathering evidence to negotiating on your behalf. To get started, contact us online or call us to schedule your free case evaluation. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don't pay unless we win. If you can't come to us, we'll come to you—whether it's your home, hospital room, or wherever you need us.