“Daylighting” at Intersections Helps Eliminate Traffic Deaths

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Every year, car drivers, car passengers, bikers and pedestrians in cities all over the United States are injured or killed in collisions at intersections. A major cause of these often-avoidable accidents are parked cars that make it difficult to see approaching traffic. That is particularly a problem in New York City, where curbs are perpetually crowded with parked vehicles from one end of a block to the other.

A city that appears to have sharply reduced this problem is Hoboken, New Jersey. It has instituted a policy called “daylighting,” which makes it almost impossible to park near an intersection. That is because intersections are blocked off with bike racks, planters, wider sidewalks and other items that keep away vehicles but don’t block visibility for drivers, bikers or pedestrians.

Hoboken’s policy has proven to be a resounding success. The city hasn’t had a single traffic fatality in the past four years. By comparison, even New York City neighborhoods of similar populations experience roadway fatalities every year.

If you are walking or cycling on the streets of any city in New Jersey, you should be very wary of cars, trucks, buses and other motor vehicles. You should make it a point to cross only at crosswalks. Even then, don’t count on every driver observing stop signs and traffic lights. Although you have the right of way, you should exercise extreme caution at any intersection, being careful to look for oncoming traffic before crossing, even when your line of sight is not obstructed and even more so when it is.

It is our hope that you and your loved ones remain safe and sound. Nevertheless, if you have been injured by a negligent driver, or if a member of your family has been hurt or killed while walking or bicycling, a personal injury attorney can sue the driver and anyone else responsible for the accident. A lawsuit can recover damages for injuries, including medical bills, lost income, lost earning capacity and pain and suffering. A wrongful death suit can recover damages resulting from the loss of a loved one.

Located in Ridgewood, Seigel Law is one of northern New Jersey’s premier personal injury law firms. Our attorneys are highly experienced in winning compensation for pedestrians and others injured in traffic accidents. We will give your case our prompt and thorough attention as we work hard to achieve the best result we can. Call us at 201-444-4000 or contact us online for a consultation.

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