In New York City, walking is not just recreation — it is a mode of transportation. Combine millions of pedestrians and roadways teeming with traffic, and it comes as no surprise that New Yorkers face heightened dangers when crossing local thoroughfares on foot. A few streets in particular account for more than their fair share of injuries and deaths.
Three Significant Culprits: Queens Boulevard, the Grand Concourse and Tillary Street
Queens Boulevard, the Grand Concourse in the Bronx, and Tillary Street in Brooklyn are all hotspots for New York City pedestrian injuries.
"Pedestrian accident" and "Queens Boulevard" have become almost synonymous in New York City. Long considered New York's most dangerous street, an average of 10 pedestrians a year were killed crossing Queens Boulevard between 1993 and 2000. Although safety improvements, like warning signs and dedicated bike/pedestrian lanes, have improved safety in recent years, Queens Boulevard has been unable to shake colorful nicknames like "The Boulevard of Death" and the "Boulevard of Broken Bones."
Queens Boulevard is not the only dangerous crossing for New Yorkers on foot. According to New York Department of Transportation records, between 1995 and 2005, there were 71 pedestrian accidents on the Grand Concourse. As part of ongoing efforts to make the area more walker-friendly, new pedestrian countdown signals are set to be installed at some 50 intersections along the Grand Concourse.
The numbers consistently show that New York's widest streets are its most dangerous: pedestrians must cross many lanes, often without adequate time. It is particularly challenging for older adults and people with disabilities to cross in the time allotted. Efforts to improve both the safety and image of Tillary Street showcase how officials are seeking to address these issues.
The intersection of Tillary and Adams Street, the first area of Brooklyn encountered by many visitors, has been redesigned to be more welcoming to pedestrians, bicyclists and motor vehicles alike. Reconstruction of the streets and the permanent addition of walkways and bicycle lanes have made the intersection a positive example of how wide New York roadways can be reconfigured to allow for safer crossings.
Safety Improving, But NYC Pedestrian Accidents Still Common
Even though there has been a strong push in recent years to provide safer avenues for pedestrian travel in New York City, pedestrian accidents are still a frequent occurrence on Queens Boulevard, the Grand Concourse, Tillary Street, and other busy roadways. If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident in New York City, a personal injury attorney can help you recover compensation for your injuries.
