You’ve probably heard it since you were a kid — “Look both ways before you cross the street!”
And if you’re a parent, you know it’s true: a kid who takes heed to the advice and warnings given will avoid traffic, while a more headstrong, impetuous youngster might feel like he or she needs to occasionally dart out into the street without holding an adult’s hand.
But what public planners understand (and what most injury lawyers know) is that there is a lot more to pedestrian safety than just having people look out for oncoming traffic.
Crafting Pedestrian Safety Infrastructure
A major part of pedestrian safety involves how roadways and public access spaces are created.
For example, you have a traffic signal which controls motor vehicle traffic. Then you have an attached “walk/don’t walk” pedestrian signal giving cues to pedestrians. If all of this is in working order, with good visible signage, clearly painted crosswalks, clear access buttons and a reasonable amount of time for pedestrians to cross a street, you have a much greater degree of safety.
On the other hand, if these systems aren’t made to allow for reasonable crossing times or for motor vehicle drivers to acknowledge those individuals crossing, problems can arise. Also, where there aren’t readily accessible controls for pedestrian crossings, people might be tempted to simply jaywalk in the middle of the block instead.
Traffic Congestion and Pedestrian Safety
Wherever there are sizable amounts of vehicle traffic, pedestrian safety is less about looking both ways and more about understanding the give-and-take that keeps people safe on foot and in automobiles. Pedestrians may need to walk between parked vehicles or vehicles in stop and go traffic. They may need to evaluate those pedestrian crossing signals well in order to cross safely. All of this takes a lot more calculation and knowledge than just seeing if a car is coming toward you.
Personal injury lawyers understand the complexity of traffic and pedestrian safety. When they represent their clients in court, they deal with these details as a matter of course. Apart from knowing local statutes and understanding case precedent, these qualified legal professionals need to understand the common challenges in their communities and what residents face as both pedestrians and drivers.
In New York City, which has some of the busiest streets in the country, the problem becomes even more complex and local lawyers need to really understand the choices people make in regard to transportation, whether they are driving, using a taxi, taking the subway or on foot.
How Do I Reach New York City Pedestrian Accident Attorneys?
If you have sustained injuries while walking the streets of New York, we encourage you to speak to one of the injury lawyers at Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff & Wolff about bringing a personal injury claim within the New York City area. We’ll help you access your rights under the law and provide for your family’s future after an accident.
