Young people should be able to walk safely around their own neighborhoods. However, in some areas in New York, unsafe intersections put them at risk of serious injuries or worse.
One young New Yorker is currently fighting for his life after being struck by a car at what his parents say is a dangerous intersection in Long Island.
The tragic accident occurred in Borough Park on December 3 when the 14-year-old was walking home from a basketball game. His parents say their son reached a point on the street where the sidewalks end and leave pedestrians in the middle of fast-moving traffic.
A local CBS news reporter went to the accident scene and agreed that pedestrians are in danger at the intersection, where ramps to the Southern State Parkway meet. Even though foot traffic has become heavy in the neighborhood over the past few decades, there is only one crosswalk for pedestrians to cross the busy roads safely.
The 14-year-old’s parents said their son was trying to cross the street to get to their home near Central Avenue and Salem Road when he was struck and his body was “flung up in the air.” They say their son has had six brain operations so far and remains in critical condition.
The family has the support of a local lawmaker who expressed anger that nothing has been done to improve safety in the area, which is now home to a church, a mosque, an elementary school and many homes.
“A lot of traffic is coming into our area,” said Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages (D-Elmont). “And it’s imperative that we redesign and rethink a lot of these intersections, especially intersections that interface with highways, such as the Southern State.”
If the state and county continue to ignore the area knowing that it is unsafe, they could potentially face liability in personal injury lawsuits stemming from accidents that occur at the dangerous intersection.
Source: CBS New York, “Family Demands Action As Boy Lies In Critical Condition After L.I. Accident,” Feb. 18, 2014
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Pedestrians have the right to walk through New York without fearing for their lives. If you or someone you know sustained injuries in a pedestrian accident, take legal action with our personal injury law firm. We will match you with the best pedestrian accident lawyer at our law office and fight to secure the compensation you deserve.
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