A new multi-agency initiative is going into effect today to improve pedestrian safety in upstate New York and Long Island. The program includes education and infrastructure improvements as well as a near two-week long enforcement campaign involving more than a dozen police agencies across the state.
The New York State Pedestrian Safety Action Plan is supported by the Federal Highway Administration. It is a joint operation from the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT), which will focus on engineering improvements; the State Department of Health (DOH), which will conduct public education and awareness campaigns; and the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC), which will coordinate an increased police presence. The program does not include New York City, which has its own pedestrian safety program administered by NYSDOT.
During the enforcement campaign, which runs through July 3, police will hand out warning notices that detail state law regarding pedestrians. Police will also issue tickets to both pedestrians and drivers who violate New York’s traffic laws.
According to a press release from Governor Cuomo’s office, approximately 300 pedestrians were killed and another 15,000 injured by motor vehicles each year between 2009 and 2013. The report also noted that:
- More than 25% of motor-vehicle-related fatalities are pedestrians.
- An estimated 88% of pedestrian crashes outside NYC occurred in urban areas.
- Almost half (48%) of the urban crashes outside NYC occurred in 20 communities.
- Pedestrian crashes on state routes tend to be more severe.
- More than 70% of the pedestrian crashes occurred on locally owned roads.
In addition, 61% of contributing factors for pedestrian crashes were related to driver actions, while 37% were related to pedestrian actions. For drivers, the top two contributing factors were driver inattention and failure to yield right of way. For pedestrians, the top two were pedestrian error and pedestrian failure to yield right of way.
If you or someone you love was pulled over for failing to yield or any other traffic violation in New York, contact the Rosenblum Law for assistance. Adam Rosenblum is a skilled lawyer with experience getting violations reduced or removed. Email or call 888-203-2619 for a free consultation today.
