On Behalf of Simon & Gilman, LLP | Sep 14, 2018 | Firm News
The Vision Zero initiative, which remains in effect in Queens and all other parts of New York City (NYC) aims to reduce the incidence rate of pedestrian and motorist injuries and deaths. While as a whole, the first six months of 2018 was marked by a significant reduction in the amount of traffic-related fatalities, the number of individuals that have either been injured or killed in Queens so far this year is staggering nonetheless.
So far, 17 people have been killed in traffic-related crashes in Queens. Nearly 1200 have been hurt in similar types of incidents. Even as alarming as these statistics may sound, city officials contend that the 13 people killed and 1155 that were injured last year is still the lowest that it’s been in some 100 years.
Traffic analysts suggest that the reduction in injuries and deaths coincides with Mayor Bill de Blasio’s launching of the Vision Zero initiative, which ultimately aims to have zero traffic-related fatalities citywide.
One of the key aspects of the program that analysts point to as having had the strongest impact on reducing crash injury and fatality rates is increased enforcement of traffic infractions. Transportation officials have reduced the speed limit citywide to 25 miles per hour and have stepped up their enforcement of moving violations significantly.
Crossing signals have been reprogrammed to allow pedestrians to get a head start. The city has begun installing hundreds of miles worth of bike lanes to keep bicyclists safe. Also, intersections that were notoriously dangerous have been redesigned.
Despite their efforts, problem areas still remain. Pedestrians will never be a match for cars. Serious injuries can result from a motorist striking an individual walking or jogging down the street. If you’ve been hurt, then you’ll only want to entrust the handling of your injury claim to an experienced Queens motor vehicle accidents attorney.
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