QUEENS, NEW YORK – A serious pedestrian accident on the Van Wyck Expressway resulted in the death of a 41-year-old man on Tuesday around 11:35 a.m. The victim reportedly exited his vehicle and was struck by a passing car in the southbound lanes of the expressway.
Eyewitness accounts indicate that the driver of the vehicle may not have been aware of the collision. Emergency medical services responded swiftly to the scene and transported the injured man to New York-Presbyterian Queens. Despite efforts to save him, he succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival at the hospital.
This tragic incident highlights ongoing concerns about pedestrian safety on busy roadways. Speeding remains a significant factor contributing to car accidents across the United States. The National Safety Council reported that speeding was involved in approximately 29% of all traffic fatalities in 2022, resulting in over 12,000 deaths that year alone, equating to an average of more than 33 fatalities daily.
Driver caution is paramount to prevent accidents involving pedestrians, especially in scenarios where individuals are on or near roadways. The legal implications of failing to yield to pedestrians can lead to claims of negligence against the driver. It is crucial for cities to implement safety measures designed to mitigate the risks of pedestrian collisions.