Safety Tips for Pedestrian Tourists
From Manhattan to Staten Island: Safety Tips for Pedestrian Tourists
Whether you’re a lifelong resident of New York City or try to visit a few times a year, it probably comes as no surprise that over 60 million tourists visit one of the cities that “never sleeps.” From Manhattan to Staten Island, each borough has plenty of places to discover, miles of pavement to cover, and the easiest way to get around is often on foot.
Although walking around NYC is one of the most common ways to get around, as well as the perfect opportunity for sightseeing, New York isn’t always the most pedestrian-friendly city. Each year fatal accidents involving a pedestrian occur in every borough.
Every New York City pedestrian, from residents to tourists and tour guides, can benefit from some tips on how to navigate the city more safely on foot.
Be Aware of The Most Dangerous Intersections in Each Borough
Each borough and every crosswalk or intersection can be potentially hazardous for pedestrians, but if you make yourself aware of some of the most dangerous intersections for pedestrians, you might be able to reduce your risk of being involved in an accident.
East Houston Street at 1st Avenue, in Manhattan, had five collisions involving a pedestrian in the last year to date. Getting to know the more dangerous intersections can prompt you to be more aware and pay attention before crossing the street.
Be On The Lookout For Fast Cars
25 miles per hour may not seem fast when you’re sitting behind the wheel of the car, but it can be a life-threatening speed for pedestrians. In 2014, New York lowered the speed limit from 30 to 25 mph, and despite the years since the law has been in place, some New Yorkers fail to stay within the speed limit, and pedestrian deaths continue.
Always make sure it’s your right of way and that no motorists are speeding, trying to run the red light before you decide to cross the street. It’s also important to make sure that you, as the pedestrian, don’t dart out in front of oncoming traffic, hoping to cross quickly, as it can be difficult to gauge how fast cars are going.
Avoid Walking During Rush Hour
While driving in NYC, during rush hour, seems like a bad idea, this time of day can be hazardous for pedestrians, too, particularly in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens.
Whether you’re planning a walking tour or just want to run a few errands, the safest times of day to walk are mid-day hours during the work week (Monday thru Friday) and during the daytime hours on the weekend. While these times are less dangerous than other times during the day or week, you should always exercise caution whichever borough you’re walking in.
Watch Out For Distracted Drivers
Distracted driving is a nationwide problem, and NYC is no exception. A distracted driver is one of the most common contributing factors in pedestrian accidents in all five boroughs. Although it’s up to a driver to be more responsible behind the wheel, don’t forget to ditch your distractions when you’re crossing the street.
For more safety tips for pedestrians, check out the complete guide, filled with recent data, which was specifically created for pedestrians of New York City.
[Guest post. Author: Landon Biehl]