• 08
  • December
    2011

Park Avenue in Brooklyn is well known to residents and authorities alike. Sadly, though, its notoriety is due to its dangerousness. And, one intersection in particular, Park Avenue and Hall Street, is receiving extra attention from the New York Times' The Local blog.

According to Department of Transportation spokesman Scott Gastel, an average of four New York City car accidents and four injuries occurred per year between 2005 and 2009 at the intersection. Whether the accidents are occurring because of speeders on Park Avenue, impatient drivers waiting to cross Park Avenue on Hall Street, or some other reason, most agree that something needs to be done to prevent them.

Deputy Inspector Anthony Tasso of the 88th Precinct indicated that the police have recommended to the Department of Transportation that a traffic light be installed. He also said that police have suggested increasing the view of drivers on Hall Street by installing "no-parking zones for 20 to 30 feet on either side of the intersection."

While this is just one street in one borough, any New York City street has the potential to be very dangerous for drivers. And, with the arrival of winter, drivers need to be extra vigilant to prevent New York City car accidents.

Winter Driving Tips

As the snow and ice of winter descend on New York, driving safely is the key to preventing accidents and injuries on the roads and, in particular, at intersections. New York Thruway Authority offers winter driving tips to drivers, including some of the following:

  • Make sure your car is in safe working condition - check the battery, wipers and defrosters
  • Keep a scraper and/or snow brush in your vehicle
  • Pay attention to the weather forecast
  • Reduce speeds, especially on roads covered with snow and ice
  • Limit distractions, including not talking on a cell phone
  • Turn on headlights
  • Drive defensively by being extra attentive to other drivers, allowing more room between vehicles, and braking earlier when approaching intersections

Source: New York Times, The Local, "Car Crash Central: Hall Street at Park Avenue," Martin Burch, Nov. 25. 2011.