Will Harsh Winter Weather Cause an Increase in Pedestrian Accidents in New York City? Learn about the Risks Here
There is no doubt that winter is just around the corner in New York City. With both turkey and leftovers already consumed, as the Thanksgiving Holiday has come and gone, and with Black Friday purchases converted to holiday gifts, the 2024 Winter Solstice is quickly coming up. New York City has seen a relatively dry fall, but snow seems like it may be coming to the Big Apple soon. According to NBC New York, in fact, New York City could see its first “measurable snow” this coming weekend.
While some New York City residents are likely ready for a fresh blanket of powdery snow to wrap New York City in a flurry of cozy holiday scenery, some New York City pedestrians are on the lookout for the hazards that snowfall and inclement, freezing weather may bring to New York City streets and sidewalks. Indeed, winter weather can be festive and charming, but it can also put New York City pedestrians at risk of serious, and even fatal, pedestrian accidents. Accordingly, to help New York City residents and pedestrians better understand the heightened risks that pedestrians may face as New York City turns to a winter wonderland, we discuss those risks here.
Inclement Weather Leads to Inclement Road Conditions for New York City Pedestrians
There is no doubt that freezing, wintry, inclement weather can lead to a higher risk of serious injury, and even death, for those who opt to travel and commute on foot in New York City. Indeed, according to recent studies, “Winter is a particularly dangerous season for pedestrians. Except for Iowa, every state experienced an increase in the percentage of fatal crashes involving pedestrians in the winter months compared to the nonwinter [sic] months between 2017 and 2021.” To put the risk that inclement weather poses to pedestrians in numbers, reports indicate that “Nationally, 21.5% of fatal crashes from December through March involved a pedestrian during the four years analyzed. During the rest of the year, 17.0% of fatal crashes involved a pedestrian — a 4.5 percentage point difference.” States where there are increased numbers of pedestrians saw higher numbers of pedestrian-related accidents in winter. The study indicated that “…the District of Columbia had the biggest increases in the percentage of fatal crashes involving pedestrians in the winter months (63.2%) compared to the nonwinter [sic] months (29.1%) — a 34.1 percentage point difference.” The increase of pedestrian-involved accidents in winter may also be attributed, at least in part, to the fact that wet and icy road conditions pose both a visibility threat, and an obstacle, for drivers of vehicles, and drivers are more prone to lose control in icy and inclement weather conditions. Wet and icy roads also prevent drivers from slowing and stopping their vehicles even when they see you in front of them. That is why these conditions pose a greater risk for pedestrians being struck by motor vehicles when crossing the street in New York City.
Getting Legal Help in New York City
If you were injured in a pedestrian accident in New York City and you need legal help, contact the experienced New York City pedestrian accident lawyers at the law firm of Michael Gunzburg, P.C. The experienced New York City pedestrian lawyers at the law firm of Michael Gunzburg, P.C. are here to help victims of serious pedestrian accidents get justice. Contact Michael Gunzburg, P.C. today and speak to a lawyer about your rights now.
Source:
nbcnewyork.com/weather/weather-stories/when-could-the-first-snow-fall-in-new-york-city-average-first-snowfall-central-park/6032643/
