The U.S. Department of Transportation (NHTSA) recently announced the winners of pedestrian safety grants:
- New York;
- Louisville; and
- Philadelphia.
New York received the largest amount, $805,801. As part of NHTSA’s Everyone Is a Pedestrian campaign, the goal is to reduce the growing number of pedestrian injuries and deaths. Funding will help increase enforcement, raise awareness and provide education.
According to the NHTSA, 47% of New York’s traffic fatalities in 2012 involved pedestrians. A total of 127 individuals lost their lives in a pedestrian accident.
The funding for New York aims to address two key factors in these crashes. One is drivers who speed and the other is drivers who don’t yield to pedestrians in crosswalks.
They will also focus on the demographic linked to most pedestrian crashes: young men. Efforts to reach this particular demographic will include enforcement activities and social media. Emphasis will be in areas with the highest number of pedestrian accidents.
What to Do When You or a Loved One Suffered Severe or Fatal Injuries in a Pedestrian Crash
Speeding drivers and those who fail to yield the right-of-way pose a serious risk to pedestrians. These types of negligent actions can result in devastating, even deadly consequences. It’s important to seek legal advice to learn about potential options.
An attorney can explain the types of evidence necessary to establish liability. A copy of the police report, photographs and witness statements are examples of proof that can help build a case.
Filing a claim against the at-fault driver could allow for the recovery of damages like medical bills for treatment, loss of earnings while recovering, pain and suffering and more. For families who have lost a loved one, it could lead to filing a wrongful death claim. Call 800-550-0000 to speak with an attorney at Gacovino & Lake.
