For years, citizens have complained about the traffic on 86th Street. Both motorists and pedestrians have noted that the corridor is very dangerous and has led to multiple high speed pedestrian crashes.

In 2010, for example, there were at least 23 accidents where pedestrians were struck by vehicles in the area, and one of those collisions was fatal.

The community’s concern for this area is heightened due to the fact that there are four schools on 86th Street, which increases the foot traffic every year. Unfortunately, 36% of the crashes on 86th street are the result of pedestrians attempting to cross the area on a green light and drivers failed to yield when making a turn onto the street.

In 2022, there were at least 54 traffic accidents on 86th Street. Now, the road is in the 88th percentile of hazardous roads in New York City, which means it is among some of the most dangerous streets to drive on.

The Department of Transportation plans on conducting a traffic study on the roadway. They’re also listening to a community committee’s safety recommendations when formulating a plan on how to tackle the problem. DOT experts think safety could be increased by making a median in the middle of the street with a turning bay for motorists seeking to turn left. They also plan on installing a 14-foot-wide parking lane, removing the ability for drivers to make left turns on Fourth and Third Avenue, and taking away one lane of traffic from both directions.

While many safety experts agree with these measures, others are not convinced that the changes would be beneficial. Some community members have raised concerns that the changes would result in frequent back-ups on 86th. They have also brought up how wider parking lanes could create double parking problems.

In light of these concerns, DOT experts are back to attempting to formulate a new plan that’s beneficial for everyone.

Traffic Accidents: Who is Responsible?

Pedestrian accidents are usually very serious due to the fact that cars are much bigger and faster than people. When a pedestrian gets hit, they often sustain very serious and sometimes fatal injuries. Even worse, the person’s losses don’t stop there. The pedestrian will likely incur medical bills, miss time off of work while recovering, and possibly go through emotional distress, too. If a life is lost, then the surviving loved ones will experience losses in the form of burial expenses, funeral costs, pain and suffering, a loss of financial support, and more.

If a driver was negligent, then they might be considered at-fault and financially responsible for the crash. Similarly, the city might be considered partially at-fault for your accident due to a failure to install proper safety measures on the road. When that’s the case, you can seek out a personal injury claim or a wrongful death claim on behalf of your lost loved one against the party you believe caused your crash.

Do you need more information about our legal options? Schedule a meeting with our firm now to get started.