NYU Study Examines Pedestrian and Bicyclist Injury Rates in New York City

According to a study recently published in the Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery, the victim in a New York City pedestrian accident is usually crossing the street in a crosswalk while following a traffic signal. In addition, researchers from New York University's Langone Medical Center claim bicyclists in the city are at highest risk of being struck by a taxi. As part of the study, a group of doctors analyzed data obtained directly from more than 1,400 bicyclists and pedestrians who were treated at Bellevue Hospital Center following a traffic accident between December 2008 and June 2011.

Researchers reportedly found that most of the injuries sustained by bicycle riders and individuals traveling on foot occurred in Manhattan and the western portion of Brooklyn. The study authors purportedly hope their research may help transportation officials create safer roadways in the future. Senior study author Dr. Spiros G. Frangos said drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians alike should improve their behavior while traveling on the streets of New York.

Although many of the study results apparently confirm long held traffic notions, such as the idea that bicycles and cabs often compete for the same portions of the roads, others do not. For example, researchers found that overweight pedestrians tend to suffer less severe injuries in a pedestrian accident. In addition, whether an individual chooses to consume alcohol, listen to music, text on their cell phone, or use a bicycle helmet can purportedly have a dramatic impact on the number and severity of accident injuries.

Interestingly, the time of day appears to have an effect on New York City bicycle and pedestrian crash statistics. Approximately 60 percent of pedestrians injured on a weekday were struck between 9 am and 6 pm. For bicyclists, the two most dangerous windows of the day were between 12 pm and 3 pm and 6 pm and 12 am. Although the study did not include data from bicyclists and pedestrians who died at the scene of a wreck, results allegedly demonstrated the need for dedicated bike lanes and pedestrian plazas throughout the city.

Unfortunately, you are placed at risk of being injured or killed every time you travel on or cross the streets in New York. Pedestrian and bicycle accident injuries are often serious and may include head trauma, paralysis, broken bones, and tragic death. If you were injured or someone you love was killed by a driver's negligent act, you may be entitled to recover financial compensation for your harm. A skilled personal injury lawyer can help.

Please contact the quality attorneys at Korngut Paleudis LLC if you were hurt or a family member was killed in a pedestrian, bicycle, or other traffic wreck in New York. At Korngut Paleudis LLC, our caring New York City personal injury and accident lawyers are ready and willing to assist the victims of unexpected traffic accidents. Our hardworking attorneys have more than 45 years of experience helping clients who are located in New York and New Jersey. To speak with a capable lawyer about your personal injury or wrongful death claim, contact Korngut Paleudis LLC through the law firm's website or give us a call at (212) 835-6768 in New York City.

Additional Resources:

Crosswalks in New York Are Not Havens, Study Finds, by Matt Flegenheimer, New York Times