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WOMAN DIES AFTER BEING HIT BY SUV ON BROADWAY

June 28, 2016 | 11:55 PM - Updated on June 29, 2016 | 10:16 PM
in NEWS
115

75th crash
The scene about an hour after the crash. Photo by Will Harahan.

A 69-year-old woman was killed Tuesday night after being hit by an SUV while she was crossing Broadway at 75th street.

An 18-year-old man driving an Infiniti SUV crashed was traveling South on Broadway around 8:30 p.m. when he hit the woman while she was crossing the street. He had the light and the woman “ran in front of the vehicle’s path and was struck by the front of the vehicle, throwing her to the ground,” according to NYPD. She sustained trauma to her head and body, and was taken to St. Luke’s hospital.

A witness told us the 18-year-old looked distraught as he talked to police. “It was really sad. Tons of people standing around watching. The young man looked like he was 12. Was probably more like 20. He looked like he was crying.”

Officials from the NYPD’s Collision Investigation Squad are investigating.

File photo of police car.

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Margaret
Margaret
8 years ago

This is at least the sixth pedestrian critically injured or killed by drivers in the 20th Precinct in the last 8 weeks.

I’m wondering who has to request meaningful enforcement to ensure that it actually happens. Is it Helen Rosenthal? Gale Brewer? The mayor? Col Allen? Jona Rechnitz?

Whoever it is, I hope they speak up. It’s devastating to read that NYPD waited until after a 21 year old kid got killed crossing Broadway to do their enforcement blitz. Enforcing the law shouldn’t require a 21 year old’s life.

I appreciate the reporting here, but how the 18 year old felt is less relevant than how he was driving to hit someone in a dense residential area where the speed limit is 25 mph.

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EricaC
EricaC
8 years ago
Reply to  Margaret

I get the outrage, but if you read the article, it does not sound as though he was at fault. In fact, if the story is accurate, he is going to be traumatized by her tragic action – trauma is clearly better than death, but he deserves sympathy, not abuse.

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EricaC
EricaC
8 years ago
Reply to  EricaC

Sorry, I did not see the comment about the addition of additional information until after I posted that. But the fact remains that it isn’t helpful to dial up the anger and hysteria without knowing the facts. You can find yourself abusing someone who does not deserve it.

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dannyboy
dannyboy
8 years ago
Reply to  EricaC

“But the fact remains that it isn’t helpful to dial up the anger and hysteria without knowing the facts. You can find yourself abusing someone who does not deserve it.”- EricaC

Good guidance for these situations.

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Margaret
Margaret
8 years ago
Reply to  EricaC

Honestly, I totally agree. Stephanie Dains, the 69-year-old woman who died could have been careless, or suicidal, or clueless. It happens. I have no way to know and there’s only witness accounts to go on.

I do have complete confidence that NYPD will be fair to the driver who was behind the wheel. Don’t you?

My urgent, I guess “entitled” request to the precinct for traffic enforcement stands. It’s not possible to walk the Upper West Side without wondering if a turning driver will yield to you, or if a speeding driver will hit you, and what NYPD would do if it happened. We desperately need enforcement that targets drivers who are breaking the law.

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AC
AC
8 years ago
Reply to  Margaret

You’re making a HUGE mistake in believing that ALL fatalities result from driver error. While NYPD can monitor and enforce the driver’s actions, its pretty difficult and almost impossible to act on a pedestrian’s lack of attention or disregard of the law.

I don’t drive, but I am amazed that the number of fatalities/injuries is not much higher when you consider the number of jaywalkers; people texting while crossing; people cycling against traffic; pedestrians crossing against the light; etc.

The fact that the driver was not charged leads one to believe that there was not sufficient evidence to indicate that the driver was at fault. It is quite possible that he was driving below the 25 mph limit and yielded to the pedestrian. Trust me, at 8:30 pm with all those witnesses, people would have been crying foul if the driver was solely responsible.

Regardless, lets not let these two deaths go in vain. ALL of us (drivers and pedestrians alike), need to be more attentive. Especially with the surge in developments resulting in more peds and cars on the streets.

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DP
DP
8 years ago
Reply to  Margaret

The driver had the right of way and the pedestrian ran into the vehicle’s path. It’s horrible no matter what, but this incident isn’t about enforcing traffic laws. Pedestrians HAVE to be responsible and obey the lights/walk signs as well.

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Pete
Pete
8 years ago
Reply to  DP

I feel for the poor kid – he seems like a good kid and even if he was speeding which is not suggested nor is there evidence of, i wouldn’t fault him so much because we all sped as kids and even adults. The truth is that the city has the technology to put cameras in 500 locations in the city and clock people’s speeds. IF THEY DID THIS, WE WOULD ALL BE MORE CAREFUL, but they won’t because it’s always someone else and never me mentality which reigns here in the city.

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dannyboy
dannyboy
8 years ago
Reply to  DP

NYC is not Vision Zero. This is Vision Zero:

“The Vision Zero is the Swedish approach to road safety thinking. It can be summarized in one sentence: No loss of life is acceptable. The Vision Zero approach has proven highly successful. It is based on the simple fact that we are human and make mistakes. The road system needs to keep us moving. But it must also be designed to protect us at every turn.”

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gonne
gonne
8 years ago
Reply to  Margaret

What law didn’t they enforce, pray tell? The one against shooting women who cross the street against the light?! What knowledge do you have that you can assume that the eighteen-year-old was speeding?? I find it relevant in knowing how he felt—and we know how he felt, because he didn’t hit and run!

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Reba
Reba
8 years ago
Reply to  Margaret

I didn’t see anything about the driver speeding or breaking another law. The only violation of law mentioned in the article is that of the pedestrian.

Any accidental death is sad and tragic. But another rarely addressed fact is that pedestrians in NYC are largely an entitled group that pay little heed to the laws themselves, putting themselves and drivers in danger. Not to mention the traffic problems they cause. NYPD should address that too.

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Peter
Peter
8 years ago
Reply to  Reba

Please stop it with “pedestrians must obey too”, will you? Some people always feel the need to take the other side, even when someone gets ran over by a car. CARS need to obey the laws, not pedestrians. If a pedestrian crosses against the light, then 9999 out of 1000 he puts HIS life in jeopardy. When someone drives recklessly on a NYC street, 999 out of 1000 times, he puts SOMEONE ELSE’S LIFE in jeopardy. Yes, everyone should obey the law, of course. But let’s not be silly, shall we?

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Eric
Eric
8 years ago
Reply to  Peter

Sorry Peter but you are wrong. When a pedestrian crosses against the light it is NOT just their own life they are risking. A car may have to stop short or swerve to avoid them killing someone else in he process. It is not reasonable to expect that a car driving 25 mph is even capable of stopping in less than 2 car lengths.

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Pete
Pete
8 years ago
Reply to  Peter

that’s 9999 out of 10000, not 1000

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Joyce
Joyce
8 years ago
Reply to  Reba

I agree. This is a tragedy for the woman who was killed and her family and friends. But, the young man may unreasonably blame himself. In any event, he won’t forget it. I cross this intersection at least daily. It’s open and clearly marked. And, I frequently see people (sometimes older people as I am) dash to cross the street and I wonder “do they have a death wish”. What’s 20 seconds in the overall scheme of life? So said!

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dannyboy
dannyboy
8 years ago
Reply to  Joyce

“I wonder “do they have a death wish’.” – Joyce

No judgement there.

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J
J
8 years ago
Reply to  Reba

pedestrians take WAY too many liberties with crossing the street here in nyc. I wasn’t there so I don’t know the facts however being someone who drives a vespa, a car and walks here I see LOTS of people crossing against the light…and while texting/pushing a stroller and generally not paying attention at ALL…I feel badly for the woman who was killed and also very much for the driver as this is a very traumatic situation to be involved in…

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west side walking
west side walking
8 years ago
Reply to  Reba

“Pedestrians are an entitled group.”

Yes, we are entitled to walk and not be killed by those who drive cars, busses and trucks.

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Upper West Side Wally
Upper West Side Wally
8 years ago
Reply to  west side walking

25 mph equals 36 feet per second. Even at half that speed, a pedestrian has no chance against a SUV. Or a Smart car, for that matter.
Cross AT the light, WITH the light and be alert – it is THAT simple.

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dannyboy
dannyboy
8 years ago
Reply to  Upper West Side Wally

“Cross AT the light, WITH the light and be alert – it is THAT simple.” – Upper West Side Wally.

I don’t think so. Cars can turn into crosswalks while pedestrians “cross AT the light, WITH the light and are alert”.

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No patience
No patience
8 years ago
Reply to  west side walking

HE HAD THE LIGHT…SHE RAN INTO TRAFFIC…CASE CLOSED.

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dannyboy
dannyboy
8 years ago
Reply to  No patience

Patience, patience. Case open.

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Stephen
Stephen
8 years ago
Reply to  west side walking

Pedestrians are not ‘entitled’ to walk on a red person sign.

There are times cars have the right of way and times pedestrians have the right or way.

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Independent
Independent
8 years ago
Reply to  west side walking

We (speaking as a pedestrian myself) are also obligated to remain alert and pay due diligence to the law as well as common sense ourselves and avoid reckless behavior. This is the point that was made in the several comments that appear above yours. If the details of how this tragic incident occurred reported here are accurate , then the driver was not at fault, while the pedestrian clearly was.

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dannyboy
dannyboy
8 years ago
Reply to  Independent

Final Decision, Determination and Judgement. Comments closed.

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Tibbeth
Tibbeth
8 years ago
Reply to  west side walking

And pedestrians are “entitled” (should be required!) to follow the law and not J walk and walk against the light/traffic signals. Time for pedestrians to take responsibility as well drivers. It is amazing how many chances pedestrians take on a day to day basis. According to the article, because of the woman’s actions, she lost her life and has caused trauma not only for herself and her family but also for this young man and his family.

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J
J
8 years ago
Reply to  west side walking

entitled in this other person post…I think they might crossing whenever they feel like it…even if says don’t walk and cars are crossing…they often don’t care/don’t pay attention….this will and does cause problems… I’m not for ticketing jay walking however…that might be the ONLY way to get to ‘zero’ or at least close to it.

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EricaC
EricaC
8 years ago
Reply to  Reba

Agreed. As much as drivers need to follow the rules, so do pedestrians. We all play the game (or most of us do), and we are as responsible for our actions as the drivers are for theirs.

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Carl
Carl
8 years ago
Reply to  EricaC

Thank you!!!! I could not agree more – all parties need to follow rules and be responsible. Another separate issue is how northbound traffic usually stops in the crosswalk when stopping for red lights on Amsterdam/71st in front of McDonald’s…. which means pedestrians can be in the path of southbound traffic while trying to walk around the cars. Police don’t seem to care. That area needs re-working.

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Steen
Steen
8 years ago
Reply to  Margaret

If she was crossing against the light and it was sunset, he could have had trouble seeing her until it was too late. I am all for enforcement of speed limits, but the way this police report sounds, the woman took a risk out of impatience or carelessness and lost her life because of her decision.

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Birk
Birk
8 years ago
Reply to  Margaret

It says she ran in front of his car. Why automatically blame the driver?

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Andrew
Andrew
8 years ago
Reply to  Birk

Nobody is automatically blaming the driver. Margaret is simply asking questions.

The NYPD is often quick to exonerate the driver based on incomplete evidence. Since I don’t know the NYPD’s source, I can’t opine on its reliability. It wouldn’t be unheard of for the NYPD to have gotten its information from the motorist himself, who of course is not a reliable source at all. The pedestrian was hardly in a position to object or to give her side of the story.

In addition, whether or not the pedestrian crossed against the light, there are still laws that apply to motorists, laws which could have helped to save the pedestrian’s life. Was the driver complying with the 25 mph speed limit? (The 24th Precinct issued only 36 speeding tickets in all of May – hardly a strong disincentive against speeding.) Was the driver focusing carefully on the task of driving or might there have been some sort of distraction, such as a cell phone? Was the driver exercising due care to avoid colliding with pedestrians, as the law explicitly requires? I don’t know the answers to these questions. I’m not assuming. I’m simply asking. Is the NYPD asking? Does the NYPD care? Whatever the pedestrian might or might not have done wrong, she’s already been punished for her crimes. Is anybody trying to determine whether some (or perhaps even all) of the blame lies with the motorist?

The 69-year-olds I know aren’t particularly fast runners. If she was approaching from the right, she stepped of the sidewalk and proceeded across the parking lane and two moving lanes before reaching the lane the driver was in. Has anybody investigated whether the driver even began to slow down as the pedestrian approached the left lane? How fast was the driver going after slowing down, on impact?

These are questions that need to be asked. Is anybody asking them? NYPD, are you there?

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anon
anon
8 years ago
Reply to  Andrew

my mom is 67 and runs a 10k in under an hour. Don’t stereotype people.

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dannyboy
dannyboy
8 years ago
Reply to  anon

Your mother can be proud running like that and having an appreciative son. Good luck.

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Andrew
Andrew
8 years ago
Reply to  anon

Great, glad to hear it. Still doesn’t answer any of my questions.

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Anon
Anon
8 years ago
Reply to  Andrew

Where are you getting your “facts” that this happened in the east most southbound lane? The article only says the woman was crossing and the vehicle was travelling south.

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Andrew
Andrew
8 years ago
Reply to  Anon

https://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/20160629/upper-west-side/woman-fatally-hit-by-suv-upper-west-side-crosswalk-nypd-says

“Stephanie Dains, 69, who has frequently donated money to schools, was crossing east over West 75th Street at Broadway about 8:37 p.m. when an Infiniti SUV hit her as it made its way south in the left lane of Broadway, NYPD officials said.”

The pedestrian was crossing eastbound. The driver was driving southbound in the left lane. The pedestrian crossed three lanes before reaching the lane the driver was in.

I’ve answered your questions. My questions, alas, are all still unanswered.

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west side walking
west side walking
8 years ago
Reply to  Birk

Because a person was killed while walking!!!!!!!!!!

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Finnegan
Finnegan
8 years ago
Reply to  west side walking

Doesn’t matter if she was killed while walking. If she did not have the light, and he did not break any laws, it’s not his fault.

And if that was the case, the driver is the victim here, he will have to live with the fact that he took someone’s life (through no fault of his own). This is a sad story, albeit one that happens very often.

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Finnegan
Finnegan
8 years ago
Reply to  Finnegan

Come on, this kid killed someone it’s not going to be easy for him to forget the feeling nor the sound of that impact.

It’s a tragedy that this woman lost her life but if he was within the confines of the law, and not texting or doing something distracting, then yeah I feel pretty bad for the kid.

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Bruce Bernstein
Bruce Bernstein
8 years ago
Reply to  Finnegan

whoa…. cmon. the driver is “the victim”?

maybe he shouldn’t be prosecuted… but let’s show some common sense and sensitivity as to who was “the victim.”

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Margaret
Margaret
8 years ago
Reply to  Birk

That’s a fair question. The article was updated after I posted.

I nearly called 911 last night – which is NYPD’s official way to report dangerous driving in progress – with drivers speeding up Amsterdam Ave. Its a prevalent problem that police have said they don’t have time to address.

The story as written raises doubt in my mind – senior citizen running into traffic, 18-year-old man driving an Infiniti at the speed limit and exercising due care – but I take it as written.

Rest in peace to this poor woman.

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Jeremy
Jeremy
8 years ago
Reply to  Margaret

The article did describe how he was driving. It says: “He had the light.”

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West Sider
Author
West Sider
8 years ago
Reply to  Jeremy

The article was updated with new information from police after Margaret posted her comment.
WSR

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Jenn
Jenn
8 years ago
Reply to  West Sider

Maybe provide updates at the bottom or top of the article and clearly label them as such…provides for better understanding of comments.

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Amy
Amy
8 years ago

Horrible. When I drive in NYC at night, pedestrians dart out in front of my vehicle all the time. Sometimes it’s very hard to see them, and I always think, if they knew how near-invisible they were, they would think twice about taking
that risk. Maybe there should be a PSA specifically about the dangers of jaywalking at night. If pedestrians could see how hard they are to see, sometimes until it’s too late, maybe some lives could be saved. This has to be on everyone to make this better.

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Soundman
Soundman
8 years ago
Reply to  Amy

I couldn’t agree more. I am constantly seeing people cross against the light, right in front of traffic, sometimes seemingly purposely looking in the other direction, as if to say “I dare you to hit me.” It amazes me that there are not more accidents of this type

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John
John
8 years ago

The 25 miles an hour needs to be enforced. I would say the average speed on Broadway is about 50 miles an hour when traffic is not heavy

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Andrew
Andrew
8 years ago
Reply to  John

Ummm no. I’ve never seen anyone drive down Broadway doing 50. You should look up what average mean because it’s clear you have no idea.

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Stuart
Stuart
8 years ago
Reply to  Andrew

There is no way anyone can drive 50 mph on Broadway, especially in the West 70s. There is double and triple parking in front of Fairway, with taxis picking up or discharging shoppers. This leaves one free lane of traffic. You’d be lucky if you could drive at the speed limit.

Taxis are another story, since the traffic amd safety rules don’t seem to apply to them. Have you ever seen a taxi really pull over to pick up a hailing passenger? They’ll stop in the middle of the street to beat out another cab for a fare. They drive slowly on side streets until they get to the traffic light and enter the intersection just as the light is changing, leaving all the drivers behind waiting for the next light change.

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PedestrianJustice
PedestrianJustice
8 years ago

Attention. It comes down to attention being paid. By drivers. By pedestrians. By NYPD. Every single one of us has a duty to pay attention to our signals, the laws and to each other.

Every day I holler at my fellow walkers when they are standing in the road, or not following their signal in a confusing intersection eg WEA & 72.

And every day I holler at cars that speed, do not yield, run lights, and almost hit me.

Please. Everyone. Put away your phones and pay attention when outside your home. It saves lives.

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mcnyc
mcnyc
8 years ago

Margaret, I agree about the dangers of pedestrian-ship all across the Upper West Side, and I sincerely regret the loos of life, as we all should, but if he had the light, there are mitigating circumstances. And even at 25 mph, if you hit your head on the concrete, you run the risk of serious injury or death.

Again, not to take away from the tragedy, but I have less a sense of an uncaring driver in this case, at least from the information we have so far.

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Ellie
Ellie
8 years ago

This is so sad! But this driver had the light. There are so many people who just walk into the street in front of cars.
As a pedestrian and a driver, it is scary both ways. Pedestrians should definitely be respectful to the traffic laws as well as drivers.

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Jay
Jay
8 years ago

We need enforcement for both drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians. While drivers deserve most of the scrutiny, I see pedestrians cause rear-end accidents from drivers who have to short-stop because of inattentive pedestrians.

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geoff
geoff
8 years ago
Reply to  Jay

rear end accidents are always the fault of the driver hitting the car in front. always. no insurance company will ever pay out to the driver who hits a car stopped in front.

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Carl
Carl
8 years ago
Reply to  Jay

If there was an awareness on the level of drivers treating all pedestrians as potentially suicidal and pedestrians treating all drivers as potentially homicidal, maybe more accidents could be avoided. Heads-up for everyone!

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Stuart
Stuart
8 years ago
Reply to  Carl

Wouldn’t categorizing all pedestrians and drivers a blatant form of stereotyping? You may have chosen the wrong neighborhhod to live in (or the wrong website to post on) with those values…

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dannyboy
dannyboy
8 years ago
Reply to  Stuart

Stuart, thank you.

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Woody
Woody
8 years ago

“He had the light and the woman “ran in front of the vehicle’s path and was struck by the front of the vehicle, throwing her to the ground,” according to NYPD.”

Pedestrians do this all the time.

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dannyboy
dannyboy
8 years ago
Reply to  Woody

“Pedestrians do this all the time.” – Woody

Exaggerating a bit to make your point?

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Woody
Woody
8 years ago
Reply to  dannyboy

No, it’s not an exaggeration at all. Stand anywhere in the city and you’ll see pedestrians just walk out into the street against the light and/or mid-block with great frequency. You’re lying if you say it doesn’t happens that much.

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dannyboy
dannyboy
8 years ago
Reply to  Woody

Woody, try to control yourself before writing: “You’re lying if you say it doesn’t happens that much.”

That does nothing to further the conversation.

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dannyboy
dannyboy
8 years ago
Reply to  dannyboy

Woody, my Comment read:

“Pedestrians do this all the time.” – Woody
Exaggerating a bit to make your point?

You considered me a liar if I didn’t agree, and characterize that now as “equal amount of push-back.”

Now you further obfuscate by hurling that I: “need to come down from your high horse and stop talking like you’re some higher authority who has a better understanding than the rest of us around here.”…
…just because I won’t get down in the mud.

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Woody
Woody
8 years ago
Reply to  dannyboy

When you throw out a characterization of my comment as an exaggeration, you should expect to receive an equal amount of push-back. I don’t know where you spend most of your time but I’m out in the streets a lot as a driver, cyclist, and pedestrian. The amount of insane, unsafe, and inconsiderate pedestrian behavior I witness ALL THE TIME is a reality. You need to come down from your high horse and stop talking like you’re some higher authority who has a better understanding than the rest of us around here.

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Jenn
Jenn
8 years ago

Where in this post does it say how fast he was going?? It says the woman ran in front of him when he had the light. There are so many variables, but let’something not make assumptions here. The pedestrian needs accountability just like the driver.

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Sean
Sean
8 years ago

Sad as it is, she was crossing against the light. People of all ages do it constantly on this block crossing to and from Fairway day and night and for years. Now they do it with strollers and smartphones in their hands. They do it running running mid block to catch the #104 bus going uptown. They They do it going south on Broadway to get back to Lincoln Towers, carts in front of them. The crossing near the Apple Bank is just as bad. The speed limit is now 25 mph. We need the traffic laws enforced and we need to get over our sense of entitlement. It is the same inn Brooklyn, The Bronx, and in Queens. Our residential streets were never meant to handle this kind of traffic as originally designed. The elderly need to adjust as much as they can to the fact that crossing agains the light just isn’t a good idea. Another bus will come and as far as I know Fairway will still be open when you get there.

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geoff
geoff
8 years ago
Reply to  Sean

agreed and, pedestrians must remember that the rhythm of traffic flow—the blank spaces that appear between red lights ‘upstream’—are not reliable indicators of traffic gaps. as we get older it becomes harder to get oneself out of the way of the individual cars that might appear in those traffic gaps.

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dannyboy
dannyboy
8 years ago
Reply to  Sean

“Our residential streets were never meant to handle this kind of traffic as originally designed.” – Sean

The result of the unfettered Free Market.

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Ground control
Ground control
8 years ago
Reply to  dannyboy

Danny Boy-You can say that again. There was a time on the very same streets we feared crime-not getting run over by a car or bus. Times have changed. It’s called gentrification on steroids. An exponential growth in density that has no respect for the environment or a human scaled city. Growth without planning-This has made these streets serious danger zones. The 25 mph top speed is not enforced. There are traffic cops nowhere except handing out parking tickets. I have seen traffic congestion at 96th and Broadway that is beyond human comprehension. The traffic cops are there for 2 months after a fatality-and then it’s every man for himself again. It is another way in which this city shafts its citizens. I called 311 to report a traffic incident at Broadway and 96th and they told me to call 911. I called 911 and they told me to call the Precinct. Who’s fooling whom? They should put up signs at every crosswalk that say “Cross at your own risk.”

The thing about cars is they kill pedestrians and not the other way around no matter the fault. Call your elected leaders and demand an increase in traffic cops and that the speed limits be enforced!

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dannyboy
dannyboy
8 years ago
Reply to  Ground control

8 crosswalks for starters…and don’t get me started!

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Jasper
Jasper
8 years ago

Born and raised UWSider here, I walk and drive in the city and here’s my tip

Be like Sweden; if the sign says “don’t walk” then do not step off of the curb, not one foot. If a driver runs a light, automatic suspension of license for 6months.

I’ve had many friends struck by vehicles in the city, a couple were tragic and yet I hated being able to see where they could have avoided the accidents.

‘Don’t walk” don’t walk or step off the curb. “Speed limit= 25”, then it’s not 26.

This story is tragic and my prayers are with this woman and her family.

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dannyboy
dannyboy
8 years ago
Reply to  Jasper

Sweden designs safety into their road and pedestrian walkways. NYC Vision Zero took the name, but not the program itself.

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anon
anon
8 years ago

I feel so sad for the 18 year old driver. He won’t get over this for years, if ever.

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Betsy
Betsy
8 years ago
Reply to  anon

I know that I would never get over it; never be able to get behind a wheel again.

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Betsy
Betsy
8 years ago

I am so relieved at the many comments criticizing pedestrians.

I’m a non-driver, but I cringe every day at the license that pedestrians take in violating the right of way of vehicular traffic.

It’s not always “our turn.”

In addition to witnessing young mothers running across Broadway on a red light as they pushed baby carriages, more than once, I had seen pedestrians blocking the way as ambulances and rescue vehicles with sirens blasting were seeking to get through.

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Eddie
Eddie
8 years ago

I feel really bad for the driver. I could see this being very traumatizing – if I was the driver, I would be hesitant to get behind the wheel for a while. Based on the description, he did nothing wrong.

If you are crossing against the light, you are putting your life at risk. When I do so, I make sure it is 100% clear and even then I move very quickly. Way too often I see people strolling across the street with a red light, assuming that worst case, cars will stop for them. “Smart” phones have only made the problem worse – pedestrians are not aware of their surroundings because their heads are buried in their phones and they have earphones in so can’t hear anything.

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Steven
Steven
8 years ago
Reply to  Eddie

What happened is horrendous. Heartfelt sorrow for the woman…and her family. Sadly, I see everyday, people stepping off the curb – and not looking BOTH ways. I see so many young people glued to their iPhones…while crossing the street. And jaywalking in the middle of the block – without looking – is dangerous! Also: If the D.O.T. would re-paint so many already faded and sometimes non-existing PAINTED CROSSWALK LINES- then cars and turning vehicles can clearly know where to stop…and pedestrians will have a safer street corner. If not…PLEASE CALL 311 and report any missing painted crosswalk lines in your area!!! And tell your family and yourself to: “Cross Carefully!!” My mother always did…Her mother was killed by a reckless driver while crossing the street.

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Eric
Eric
8 years ago
Reply to  Eddie

“If you are crossing against the light, you are putting your life at risk.”
Agree 100%

“When I do so, I make sure it is 100% clear”
Not possible. Not possible. Just DON’T do it. The life you save will be not just your own but that of the person who might be killed should a car stop or swerve to avoid you.

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Independent
Independent
8 years ago
Reply to  Eric

Re: Waiting for the light to change before crossing:
Better to lose a moment in life than a life in a moment.

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Lucien
Lucien
8 years ago

That is awful for that woman to have that happen to her. My heart goes out for her family with their loss.

Sadly, I think senior citizens are more prone to pedestrian hits because they aren’t as mobile, slower reaction times, poor vision, and in some cases aspects of dementia. (I hope this doesn’t come across as derogatory to seniors, I mean this from a general physical aspect. I still get easily passed by this one 70 year old guy while running in CP)

Lawmakers should come up with an alternative solution so that cars & pedestrians don’t mix. The easiest is that each of them have their own separate light. It will be a pain for the drivers because traffic will be backed up and a pain for pedestrians because they might have to wait longer for their light. However, safety requires an aspect of perseverance and patience.

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adam
adam
8 years ago
Reply to  Lucien

Bring back the Barnes Dance!

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pedestrian_scramble

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anon
anon
8 years ago
Reply to  adam

there is a Barnes Dance at 66th and Columbus. The problem I see with it is (maybe because they are unaware it is a Barnes Dance) the cyclists in the bike lane, hoping to get out before the cars so, tend to to during the pedestrian cycle. It’s quite dangerous. I’ve come close to being hit a couple of times and then the bikers actually yell at me for walking when I have the light. Maybe if they were more common everyone would understand who goes when.

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Stephen
Stephen
8 years ago
Reply to  Lucien

Growing up in England there are always at least 3 maybe 4 cycles on any light.
1 Cars going East West
2 Pedestrians going in all directions
3 Cars going North South
4 (depending on pedestrian traffic) Peds going in all directions.

The two-cycle 4500lbs car vs pedestrian on most NYC junctions increases the risk of collisions IMHO.

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Steven
Steven
8 years ago

The arrogance of pedestrians in this city is sometimes breathtaking. I once watched as a couple pushing a stroller crossed against a light while a car was approaching, causing the car to have to brake sharply. When the car’s driver honked at them, the man got irritated and yelled something at the driver. I couldn’t help myself, and said to them, “Why are you crossing when he has the light?” The man told me to mind my own business.

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Eddie
Eddie
8 years ago
Reply to  Steven

I encounter this all the time – it is a game of chicken and the pedestrians assume that the driver does not want to hit them, so they walk across at a leisurely pace, against the light. I wish there was a way to penalize such behavior – 95% of the time I am a pedestrian but drivers have rights too and behavior that clearly flaunts the law should be discouraged. Much as there should be penalties for those who zig zag down the sidewalk while texting. The consequences of this behavior are generally not nearly as bad as when a driver is looking at their phone, but the idea is the same – if you need to look at your phone for more than a second, step to the side.

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UWSgal
UWSgal
8 years ago

First, I must say, this is a terrible tragedy. Two lives and the lives of all their family members are forever changes.

Second, I was standing here just after it happened and saw the aftermath. While I didn’t see the accident and didn’t see the woman, I did see the young man who hit her. He looked distraught as he spoke with the police. He was rubbing his face and looked like he had been crying. He looked very young. This didn’t seem to be some kid who didn’t give a crap or had been reckless.

Whomever was at fault, it was an ACCIDENT and two lives are forever changed.

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Mark
Mark
8 years ago
Reply to  UWSgal

It was not an accident. It was a crash. Accident implies no responsbility. The driver is responsible. Maybe only a little if this old lady did happen to dart in front of him at the last second. Maybe a great deal, if his eyes were averted from the road (text message perhaps) or he was speeding. A green light does not grant you the privelage of mindless driving oblivious of your surroundings. Of course, the pedestrian is also responsbile. I will reserve judgement until there is a thorough investigation (hopefully cameras). The rush with which the majority of you blame the pedestrian and pile-on NYC pedestrians in general is honestly a little disturbing. I biked by this within a minute or two – seeing her lifeless body crumpled on the street will stick with me for a long time.

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2 Handicap
2 Handicap
8 years ago
Reply to  Mark

The rush to blame pedestrians is not nearly as quick as the rush to blame drivers. If the woman that got hit darted out in front of a car that had a green light and was abiding by speed limits how is that on the driver?

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west side walking
west side walking
8 years ago

I am over 70 and also impaired physically. Crossing the street is difficult, because the light starts flashing before you have even gotten half way across. If people are being killed while crossing the street, the allowed to walk is too slow. Pedestrians. People walking. Traffic control is not designed for pedestrians.

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dannyboy
dannyboy
8 years ago
Reply to  west side walking

“Traffic control is not designed for pedestrians.” – west side

Traffic control is designed on computers.

When I told this to Helen Rosenthal, she replied that she relies on the DOT. When I discussed this with DOT; saying that you need to observe, cross, drive, walk the streets to understand what to do, they replied that the intersection that I was referring to was “safe”. Tell that to the families of casualties.

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Sean
Sean
8 years ago
Reply to  west side walking

She ran in front of the car. Obviously she did not see him. It was her fault, she did not have the light. I do understand your complaint, however.

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Ann March
Ann March
8 years ago

When I ride in a cab I pay close attention to the obstacles faced by the driver. My extensive studies reveal that 85% of pedestrians are only marginally conscious. Due to involvement with devices they stop unpredictably (sometimes in the middle of the street) and walk into traffic without looking. Carefully calibrated traffic lights are ignored by all. Jaywalking is a longstanding NYC tradition too. Is it entitlement? Is it faith? Is it mindlessness?
Drivers (including bicyclists) are not great, but seem to be averse to actually hitting people even if they’d like to.

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UWS Driver
UWS Driver
8 years ago

I drive all the time on the UWS -pedestrians have zero respect for the Walk/Don’t Walk signs. Many of them have their heads buried in their phones while they are crossing against the signal. Some, incredibly, are wheeling carriages while their heads are in their phones and are crossing against the signal. How about pedestrians’ bearing some responsibility.

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Geno
Geno
8 years ago

As an UWS resident with a car in the city about a third of the year, I see this from both sides and am amazed at the jackassery on the part of both drivers and pedestrians. Someday self-driving cars are going to be a reality and prevent tens of thousands of deaths and injuries each year. Until then, everyone needs to think defensively. That means you, crossing the street while looking down at your phone, and you, turning into a crosswalk and just missing people, often pushing strollers, by inches, and you – the moronic cab driver honking at me while I’m waiting for a crosswalk full of people to cross the street, as if to implore me to plough into them. Taking more care and doing it consistently will help.

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24gotham
24gotham
8 years ago

As an ardent pedestrian, I generally consider walk signals in NYC as more of a suggestion than a hard rule (after all, we have places to go right?). So while I may commit the crime of walking against the light, I never do so in a way which would cause oncomong traffic to slow down for me. If an oncoming car is close enough or going fast enough towards the intersection that they would need to change their behavior, I wait.

Pretty simple rule of thumb.

[I would add that have also learned to look both ways on a one way street in all instances because of food delivery people riding their electric bicycles the wrong direction.]

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Janice
Janice
8 years ago

I drive on the UWS, never go faster than 25mph, in fact, mostly go a lot slower than that. But I am amazed at how many pedestrians jaywalk, dart in front of cars and worse (I was driving on WEA once, slowly, and a woman with a baby carriage suddenly decided to jaywalk WITH THE CARRIAGE. Cars, including mine, were honking and luckily she and the baby weren’t hurt or killed.

Pedestrians need to realize that drivers can’t always see them, especially if they’re jaywalking, crossing against the light and darting out between cars, trying to rush across the street.

I feel sorry for the woman who was killed but worse for the 18 year old kid. He’ll have to live with this for the rest of his life and from the looks of it, he did nothing wrong.

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West side girl
West side girl
8 years ago

This is awful. I am both a pedestrian and a driver. Too many pedestrians cross against the light. They jaywalk and as a driver it’s unacceptable. Also so many people with baby carriages out the carriage out toi far waiting for the light to change. It’s very hard to see the carriage especially when it’s on the passenger side. Pedestrians breed to be re- educated!

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Independent
Independent
8 years ago
Reply to  West side girl

“Pedestrians breed to be re- educated!”

Breed? Did you mean to write ‘need’?

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dannyboy
dannyboy
8 years ago
Reply to  Independent

The literal reading is more powerful.

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Melissa T.
Melissa T.
8 years ago

I drive in NYC and the pedestrians (of which I am also) can be completely oblivious to traffic. I am particularly afraid of the cell phone users who just don’t know what is going on around them, thoroughly ensconced in their phone conversation. And a red light seems to be an invitation to step out into traffic to see if the coast is clear creating an even tighter passage for cars.

I cross the street at Bway and 75th all the time. You cannot cross until all the cars come to a stop. Crossing when the light turns green just isn’t enough.

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Marilyn Schiffmann
Marilyn Schiffmann
8 years ago

Was the woman on her phone or distracted by texting? The distractions of electronic devices are dangerous.

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Scott
Scott
8 years ago

My favorite pedestrian is the entitled moron who stands 8 feet from the curb while waiting for the light to change. He or she (it’s usually a she) is literally out in the middle of the street.

I enjoy darting inside them when I’m turning right — that is, I’ll veer between the idiot and the curb to make my turn. Sometimes they’ll stare at me in horror like I’m trying to mow them down, or they’ll get happy feet not knowing which way to go. This is highly enjoyable. It sends a useful message that they’re not standing where they ought to, which is ON THE CURB.

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ST
ST
8 years ago
Reply to  Scott

I totally agree. People are fools for not standing on the curb. Then there are all the moms who push the baby carriage into the street while waiting for the light to change. That one never ceases to amaze me.

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jsf
jsf
8 years ago

How can it happen that a car travelling 25mph can KILL! Wound…. maim…but kill?
It doesn’t really matter who had the right of way, does it? A moving vehicle should be operated safely…whatever that means. Of course, if the lady leaped into the driver’s path…is that what happened? Who knows?

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Timmy
Timmy
8 years ago

I can relate to both sides, as I had a car in the city for 7 years. I parked on the street and moved three times a week between 3-5 pm. This was before go-pro cameras. I wanted to call a news station and have them drive along with me as I circled the blocks to document how stupid pedestrians are as they walk around. I can’t even tell how many times I actually slammed on my brakes to avoid running over someone walking against the light. Stupid people who Darwin wanted to remove from this planet as they walked across a busy street looking at their phone oblivious to the world around them. Stupid because a car always wins and you’re playing with your life. The absolute worst were the nannies and moms who actually were pushing a stroller against the light and almost getting struck. Bad enough to risk your own life, but to do that to an infant. So yes, many times I rolled down my window after screeching to a stop and screamed at the mom, I guess you don’t care about you child’s life!! They would look at me in horror, aghast at my comments. It wasn’t done to be mean, it was done to hopefully make them never do that again. They were lucky I saw them. If I was looking at my radio, or another car or anything else just for a second or two, they would be dead. And as sad as that would be, it wouldn’t be my fault. I pray for the lady who died, but so far sounds like it was her fault. The 18 year old kid that hit her will be traumatized for the rest of his life. Moral of the story is easy. If you’re a pedestrian – pay attention and walk when allowed. If you’re a driver – pay attention and follow the rules and always be on lookout for the oblivious pedestrian.

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west side walking
west side walking
8 years ago
Reply to  Timmy

This is not about the “legality” of who is at fault. Pedestrians do not kill vehicles. Vehicles might kill pedestrians. Yes, pedestrians might be careless, or they might not be. But something is WRONG. It seemed too many comments blamed the pedestrian for her own death. It is dangerous for pedestrians to cross streets, and the DOT seems not to observe the true needs of pedestrians who cross streets and traffic.

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Eddie
Eddie
8 years ago
Reply to  west side walking

Pedestrians can get people killed. In this case, the driver did not/could not swerve to avoid the pedestrian and the pedestrian died. In other cases, as a result of the frequent careless pedestrians noted throughout the comments here, a driver might swerve to avoid the pedestrian and as a result put herself or other innocent bystanders in danger. So careless pedestrians are not only putting themselves at risk but many others.

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Jay
Jay
8 years ago
Reply to  west side walking

Your logic is faulty. Is the bridge at fault when someone jumps from it?

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Margaret
Margaret
8 years ago

I hope I don’t sound hysterical. Here’s what we’ve seen in the 20th precinct in May and June.

– A hit and run death by a garbage truck
– Two curb jumping crashes that left people on sidewalks critically injured
– Two pedestrians critically injured by drivers, with NYPD providing no info except the intersections
– And this death, where an anonymous police source says a senior citizen ran into traffic

These crashes don’t indicate a safe neighborhood to me! I keep hoping we’ll turn the corner and get steady enforcement targeting dangerous driving, because an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. I hope we don’t ever see another two months like this.

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dannyboy
dannyboy
8 years ago
Reply to  Margaret

Strap in your seatbelt…it’s getting worse!

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Julie Blackburn
Julie Blackburn
8 years ago

If everyone obeyed the law there would be fewer of these crashes, deaths and injuries. Complying with the law makes your behavior predictable which in turn better ensures your safety.

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ST
ST
8 years ago

As a pedestrian and a driver, I am always amazed how other pedestrians totally ignore traffic lights–even in the face of an oncoming car. They expect cars to stop for them even when the car has the light. There are many reckless drivers. There are also many many reckless pedestrians who need to take better care of themselves. And let’s not get started on the bicyclists!

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John McDermott
John McDermott
8 years ago

If you’re driving a vehicle where there are pedestrians present, it’s your obligation to be on the lookout for such pedestrians whether you have the light or not. The streets of NYC are not freeways! END OF STORY!!!

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Bonnie Schreiber Rice
Bonnie Schreiber Rice
8 years ago

Tragic for both families. But, everyone at some time has noticed cars trying to make the light and increasing their speed and people carelessly crossing against the light.
Just sayin!

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Dana Perino's dog Jasper
Dana Perino's dog Jasper
8 years ago

To all Pedestrians here, would you rather be dead & right? Don’t go against the “Don’t Walk” sign ever and you’ll always live. I mean, why would you ever risk your life to get across the street quicker? Is Leo on the other side begging for you to join him?

Even the best drivers in NYC are compromised with everything before having to get lucky and not hit jay walkers. Think about it, maybe 5% of NYC drivers are sharp minded well rested 30yr olds…with the majority very much the opposite or well rested, young and sharp.

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