Western New York Counties Working to Improve Pedestrian Safety

July 1, 2013

Pedestrian accidents are a serious problem in Western New York. Data from the New York Department of Transportation shows that a total of 2,840 pedestrian accidents occurred in Albany and Westchester Counties last year.

An article form the Tri-State Transportation Campaign (TSCT) explains that 2,032 collisions involving pedestrians occurred in Westchester County, with 31 of those incidents resulting in at least one fatality. Furthermore, there were 808 Albany Pedestrian Accidents that claimed 21 lives.

The TSCT report also showed New York’s arterial roads are among some of the deadliest in the region, considering 60 percent of the state’s pedestrian causalities occurred on that particular type of road.

In an effort to reduce the number of these crashes, city officials in Albany recently announced they would be initiating steps towards passing a “Complete Streets” ordinance. The program would provide funding for projects aimed at improving pedestrian and cyclist safety in the region. Some of the projects that could be addressed include new sidewalks and crosswalks, new signage, and installation of bicycle lanes.

Officials in Westchester County are adopting similar programs as well.

The Personal Injury Lawyers with William Mattar Law Offices applaud the efforts being made by city officials to improve citizen safety along highways. The firm is hopeful the efforts will be successful in reducing the number of accidents involving pedestrians.