In the city of Buffalo, New York, pedestrian safety has become a major concern. With the city’s bustling streets and high vehicle traffic, the number of pedestrian injuries and fatalities has continued to rise over the years. One factor that has been identified as a contributing factor to these incidents is vehicle speed. In this blog post, we’ll explore the relationship between vehicle speed and pedestrian injuries in Buffalo and discuss the measures that can be taken to improve pedestrian safety in the city.
The Impact of Vehicle Speed on Pedestrian Injuries
Studies have shown that vehicle speed has a significant impact on the severity of pedestrian injuries. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a pedestrian struck by a vehicle traveling at 20 mph has a 90% chance of survival, while a pedestrian struck by a vehicle traveling at 40 mph has only a 20% chance of survival. In Buffalo, where the speed limit in most residential areas is 30 mph, the risk of severe pedestrian injuries is significant.
In recent years, the number of pedestrian fatalities in Buffalo has increased. In 2019, 25 pedestrians were killed in traffic accidents in the city, and many more were injured. Speeding was identified as a contributing factor in many of these accidents. In response to this, the city has implemented several measures to improve pedestrian safety, including lowering speed limits in some areas and increasing enforcement of traffic laws.
Improving Pedestrian Safety in Buffalo
To improve pedestrian safety in Buffalo, it is important to address the issue of vehicle speed. Here are some of the measures that can be taken to achieve this:
- Lowering Speed Limits: One effective way to reduce vehicle speeds is to lower speed limits. The city of Buffalo has implemented this measure in some areas, such as school zones and residential neighborhoods. Lower speed limits can encourage drivers to slow down and be more aware of their surroundings.
- Traffic Calming Measures: Traffic calming measures, such as speed humps, roundabouts, and chicanes, can also help to reduce vehicle speeds. These measures can be effective in slowing down traffic in areas where pedestrians are likely to be present.
- Enforcement of Traffic Laws: Enforcing traffic laws, such as speeding and distracted driving, can help to improve pedestrian safety. Police presence in high-risk areas can deter drivers from engaging in risky behaviors and encourage them to drive more safely.
- Public Education Campaigns: Public education campaigns can also be effective in improving pedestrian safety. These campaigns can educate both drivers and pedestrians about the importance of safety and encourage them to be more aware of their surroundings.
It is important to note that improving pedestrian safety requires a multi-faceted approach that involves collaboration between various stakeholders, including local government, law enforcement, community groups, and transportation agencies. These stakeholders can work together to identify high-risk areas and develop targeted strategies to improve pedestrian safety.
In addition to the measures mentioned above, the use of technology can also play a role in improving pedestrian safety. For example, the use of automated speed enforcement cameras can help to deter speeding and improve compliance with speed limits. The use of intelligent transportation systems can also help to improve the flow of traffic and reduce the risk of pedestrian-vehicle collisions.
Ultimately, improving pedestrian safety in Buffalo requires a commitment to creating a culture of safety on our streets. This means encouraging drivers to be more aware of their surroundings, educating pedestrians about safe walking practices, and investing in infrastructure and technology that supports safe mobility for everyone.
The relationship between vehicle speed and pedestrian injuries in Buffalo is a significant issue that requires attention. By taking a comprehensive approach that includes measures such as lowering speed limits, implementing traffic calming measures, enforcing traffic laws, and educating the public, we can work towards creating safer streets for pedestrians and reducing the number of injuries and fatalities in our city.
Andrews, Bernstein & Maranto, PLLC is a law firm that specializes in personal injury cases, including those related to pedestrian accidents. If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident in Buffalo, our team of experienced attorneys can help.
We understand the serious impact that vehicle speed can have on pedestrian injuries, and we are dedicated to helping our clients receive the compensation they deserve for their injuries. We can assist in investigating the circumstances surrounding the accident, gathering evidence, and building a strong case on your behalf.
Our attorneys have extensive experience in handling pedestrian accident cases and are familiar with the unique challenges that these cases can present. We are committed to advocating for our clients and fighting for the compensation they need to recover from their injuries and move forward with their lives.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident in Buffalo, please do not hesitate to contact Andrews, Bernstein & Maranto, PLLC for a free consultation. We are here to help you navigate the legal system and get the compensation you deserve.
This blog was written for Andrews, Bernstein & Maranto, PLLC by Miami pedestrian accident lawyer Richard Guzman. If you are ever in need of help in a Florida pedestrian accident, please contact his office.