At Block O’Toole & Murphy we pay close attention to the dangers facing pedestrians in New York City. There has been a rash of recent hit-and-run accidents resulting in the deaths of pedestrians, including one we blogged about this past Friday.
The weekend did not bring an end to the madness. According to the NY Daily News, which reported “fourth NYC pedestrian killed after being struck by vehicle in less than 24 hours.
“The 11:30 p.m. crash took place at the corner of Unionport Rd. and McGraw Ave. in Parkchester, where the driver hit a man lying in the roadway while trying to pass two double parked vehicles.
This accident marked the fourth hit-and-run death in a 24 hour span, as police responded to three additional accidents on Sunday.
Hit-and-run needs to be taken more seriously in New York City. But, until drivers become safer or face harsher penalties for their recklessness, what can pedestrians do to protect themselves?
Pedestrians can stick with the old standby of vigilance: looking both ways before crossing, never assuming a car will stop, always acting as if the driver cannot see him or her.
But, what if you are injured in a hit-and-run?
We hope you never need to act on this information, but you can find everything you need to know right here in the event you or a loved one is hurt in a hit-and-run: