Photo Credit: Kirsten Luce/The New York Times/Redux

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August 17, 2010

Even if you don't live in a large city, the risk of being hit by a car while crossing the street is prevalent. However, a report released Monday by New York City's transportation planners offers some insight into "where, when and why pedestrian accidents have most often occurred" according to the The New York Times.

The study examined more than 7,000 crashes that occurred in New York City from 2002 to 2006 and that resulted in the death or serious injury of at least one pedestrian. And some interesting discoveries were made.

Though known for their aggressive driving, Taxis — along with buses and trucks — accounted for fewer pedestrian accidents in Manhattan than private automobiles. Other interesting finds from the study include:

• Jaywalkers were involved in fewer collisions than their law-abiding counterparts who waited for the “walk” sign, though they were likelier to be killed or seriously hurt by the collision.
• In 80 percent of city, accidents that resulted in a pedestrian’s death or serious injury, a male driver was behind the wheel.
• Left-hand turns were three times as likely to cause a deadly crash as right-hand turns
• And in case you think this study doesn't apply to you, take note: 43 percent of pedestrians killed in Manhattan did not live there!

To better protect yourself when walking amongst traffic, choose sidewalks to the right of moving traffic, and stay alert at intersections. Throughout the city, 79 percent of the serious crashes involved private passenger cars; 13 percent involved taxis or livery cabs; 4 percent involved trucks; and 3 percent involved buses — and driver inattention, rather than intoxication, was the most common cause of the accidents, cited as a contributing factor in 36 percent.

In addition, the study noted that November and December were the most dangerous months for pedestrians, and that 40 percent of pedestrian crashes in New York occurred between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m. — while nationally, most crashes occur overnight.

For more on how to prevent pedestrian accidents, go to ACEP.org

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