With over 60 million tourists visiting New York City every year, Staten Island gets plenty of visitors, and many of them are walking tourists. While one of the best ways to see Staten Island is by exploring all the nooks and crannies and unique neighborhoods on foot, being a pedestrian can be hazardous.
Pedestrian-related accidents are nothing new to Staten Island, and the other four boroughs in New York, but tourists aren’t the only ones who fall victim to being struck by a vehicle. For decades, NYC, the small city with a large population and constant stream of annual tourists, residents, and visitors have been involved in pedestrian-related incidents.
Whether you’re a lifelong resident of Staten Island or are contemplating visiting all that the borough has to offer, it’s important to stay informed and educate yourself to stay safer as a pedestrian.
What’s Changed?
For decades, speed was one of the major factors in accidents involving pedestrian collisions. When NYC lowered the speed limit from 30 mph to 25 mph, many were skeptical and didn’t think that it would make a difference. Despite the less than enthusiastic support, accidents dropped in all five boroughs.
In Staten Island, between 2013 and 2014 (and before the speed limit change went into effect), there were 531 pedestrian collisions with 22 a month. When the speed limit was lowered, there were 443 collisions with 18 a month, during 2015 to 2016.
Where Do We Go From Here?
Although lowering the speed limit has made a difference in the number of accidents, it’s not enough, especially if we’re going to achieve Mayor de Blasio’s Vision Zero Pedestrian Safety Plan. Knowing when, where, and how pedestrian accidents occur can help reduce the number of victims.
Most Dangerous Time of Day
Although Staten Island is nowhere as busy and congested with vehicle traffic as Manhattan, there are some times of day when it’s safer to be a pedestrian than others. Morning and evening rush hour are, unsurprisingly, the busiest times of day for vehicles and as a result, more dangerous for pedestrians.
If you’re going to walk around during this time of day, use extra caution, be on the lookout, and avoid walking while distracted (this means look all around you before crossing the street).
Where’s The Danger?
Every intersection in Staten Island has the potential to be dangerous for motorists and pedestrians alike. Learning where the most dangerous intersections for pedestrians can reduce the risk of another accident.
Take the intersection of Victory Boulevard and Montgomery Avenue. In the last year to date, there have been three collisions involving a pedestrian. Other intersections are equally as dangerous; learn them and be aware.
Contributing Factors
While some contributing factors are more prevalent than others, virtually anything can cause an accident involving a pedestrian. Distracted driving or inattention is the most common factor in accidents while failure to yield the right of way is a close second. Other factors include backing unsafely and road rage.
Another factor that is less common, but should be noted, is pedestrian confusion or distractions. While it’s true that you, as a pedestrian, have certain pedestrian rights, it’s important to be responsible and cross the streets of Staten Island as if no one else can see you (kind of like defensive driving).
To view the complete guide, created exclusively for pedestrians in NYC, check out NYCROSSWALK.
Chris is a communications professional with a passion for pop culture, media, and all things creative. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Communications with a specialization in Media Studies and has experience in running a pop-culture website, freelance writing, coaching, and speaking engagements. He has worked behind the scenes on music albums and co-founded a boutique web design and marketing firm. He is also an amateur photographer and musician. He is always looking for the next exciting project to dive into.
