Unveiling NYC's Deadliest Intersections: A Potential Lifesaving Solution Proposed
A recent report has revealed that 118 intersections across the five boroughs of New York City have witnessed at least five fatalities or severe injuries over the past three years. However, a potential solution to address this critical issue has been proposed by transportation advocates.
The activist group Transportation Alternatives for Safe Streets has released a map, utilizing data from the Department of Transportation, identifying the city's most hazardous street crossings. This initiative urges local politicians to enact a new law prohibiting vehicles from parking or standing within 20 feet of crosswalks throughout the city.
Elizabeth Adams, the senior director of advocacy and organizing for the group, emphasizes the urgency of the situation. She states that the data confirms what they have long suspected and advocated for: intersections are the primary focus for enhancing street safety. Adams calls for prioritizing safe street improvements at these critical points.
During a press conference outside City Hall in Manhattan, Adams proposed the implementation of 'daylighting' at all intersections. This strategy aims to enhance visibility for both drivers and pedestrians, reducing the risk of accidents. Daylighting involves prohibiting cars from parking too close to crosswalks, ensuring clear sightlines for all road users.
Adams highlights the benefits of daylighting, stating that it provides drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists with the necessary visibility to safely navigate intersections. The group's map reveals the most dangerous intersections in each borough, including West 120th Street & Lenox Avenue in Manhattan, Northern Boulevard & 48th Street in Queens, Flatbush Avenue & Avenue H in Brooklyn, Bruckner Boulevard & St. Ann's Avenue in the Bronx, and Hunton Street & Richmond Road in Staten Island.
These intersections have been the sites of recent tragic accidents. For instance, a 3-year-old girl was struck and killed by a car in Manhattan, and a 32-year-old woman was killed by a hit-and-run driver in the Bronx. The group's map underscores the urgent need for action at these high-risk locations.
However, a spokesperson for the DOT claims that all these intersections already have daylighting in place. Nonetheless, Adams argues that relying on case-by-case decisions for daylighting is inadequate and often comes after tragic incidents. She emphasizes the importance of proactive measures to prevent further loss of life.
Transit safety advocates are pushing for the City Council to pass a new law, Intro 1138, which would ban vehicles from parking or standing within 20 feet of crosswalks citywide, with limited exceptions for brief passenger drop-offs. The legislation also mandates the DOT to install physical daylighting barriers at a minimum of 1,000 intersections annually through 2030 and to conduct a citywide outreach campaign about the new rules.
Negotiations regarding the legislation are ongoing, with the potential for public input before the Council's final Stated Meeting on December 18. The safety of pedestrians and all street users remains a top priority for the Council, according to a spokesperson for Speaker Adrienne Adams.
The DOT, however, advocates for a 'targeted' daylighting approach, recognizing that a universal solution is not feasible. They plan to utilize various tools, including targeted daylighting, to enhance street safety. A recent study by the DOT found that daylighting without physical barriers did not significantly improve safety based on crash data analysis.
The study recommended combining daylighting with other design elements such as curb extensions, turn calming, protected bike lanes, and pedestrian islands for optimal safety benefits. The Council bill, sponsored by Queens Council member Julie Won, could be considered next year if the likely new speaker, Council member Julie Menin, supports it.
Transit advocates are determined to prevent further traffic deaths and are unwilling to accept any bill changes that fail to bring about 'real change' for the city's vulnerable pedestrians. Adams emphasizes the need for substantial safety improvements and changes to the streets for New Yorkers.
