The New York City attorneys at Block O’Toole have been monitoring the alarming increase in New York City traffic deaths and, in particular, the frequency of pedestrians that have been killed in these crashes. Block O’Toole & Murphy is a firm that people turn to when they have questions about pedestrian accidents. Why? Well it may have something to do with their results for pedestrian accident victims, including a $32,756,156 verdict, a $12,000,000 settlement and a $8,800,000 settlement.
There has been a clamoring for political and police intervention as a result of the increase in violent collisions. What do the numbers tell us?
- 11 New Yorkers have already been killed in auto crashes in 2014.
- 7 pedestrians have already been killed in 2014.
- 286 New Yorkers died in traffic accidents in 2013.
- 173 New York pedestrians were killed in 2013.
The statistics and public pressure have prompted New York City’s new mayor, Bill DeBlasio, to make reducing traffic accidents his first public policy initiative. Mayor DeBlasio has solicited the innovation and creativity of his police commissioner, William Bratton, to help formulate a successful strategy. The still developing strategy, coined “Vision Zero”, will include a cooperative effort between the mayor’s office, the police department, the New York City Department of Transportation and the Taxi and Limousine Commission.
What will they implement to try and curtail this dangerous trend? You can expect more speed bumps, increased traffic enforcement, perhaps a more aggressive approach to giving out tickets and a sharper focus on speed limits in more dangerous areas. What else does “Vision Zero” portend? Strong arguments are being made that New York City Police and Prosecutors are far too lenient in holding reckless drivers accountable. The below ‘New York Daily News’ piece highlights this sentiment, citing instances where drivers that kill innocent pedestrians are merely given a traffic ticket. An increase in police manpower entrusted to investigate traffic accidents and enforce the laws in traffic crashes, when appropriate, is contemplated. You may also see units in the District Attorney’s office increase their emphasis on holding reckless drivers accountable. Most sitting district attorneys have strong intoxicated driver stances; few focus on reckless driving. This will change if the mayor honors his promises.
We will continue to monitor the mayor’s “Vision Zero” initiative and chart the progress. Suffice to say, if it is successful it will save lives. It may never get the same attention that New York City’s reduction in murders receives, but it is no less important. Both are about public safety and saving lives.
Block O’Toole & Murphy is one of New York’s leading personal injury law firms. The lawyers at this firm are committed to helping the seriously injured. They have recovered more than $700,000,000 for injured victims. To learn more about the traffic crash lawyers at Block O’Toole & Murphy, please see the firm website at www.blockotoole.com. For a free consultation, please call 212-736-5300.
Source: http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/de-blasio-aims-zero-pedestiran-deaths-traffic-article-1.1581326