Union spokesman cites pedestrian negligence in high accident rate

In a recent article, Pete Donohue of the Transit Union Workers of New York stated that a major factor in the high rate of pedestrian accidents in New York City is the behavior of pedestrians themselves. According to Donohue, Manhattan is facing a pedestrian problem caused by individuals who “are constantly darting or sauntering through intersections against the signal, crossing mid block far from the relative safety of a crosswalk, [or] texting with their heads down.”

Donohue quoted statistics from the Vision Zero Pedestrian Safety Action Plan that New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio implemented late in 2015 showing that the inattentiveness of pedestrians when crossing roads contributed in 43% of pedestrian fatalities in the borough of Manhattan and 16% in other areas of New York, for a total of 56%, which is more than half of the percentage of contributing factors in pedestrian accidents within the state.

Lloyd Alter of Treehugger responded to Donohue’s article by pointing out the absurdity of blaming pedestrians on accidents that result in their own injuries or deaths. Alter concluded by stating that Donohue’s words were both “incendiary” and “wrong.”

At Hach & Rose, LLP, our legal team believes in protecting pedestrians, and we will work on your behalf after you have been injured by a driver to hold that individual accountable. Call us today at (212) 779-0057 to learn more.