A man died in a collision with a Brooklyn MTA bus, and police took the unusual step of arresting the driver in connection with the accident, according to recent reports. As a result, a group of Brooklyn bus drivers are refusing to drive out of depots in protest to what they see as an abuse of the Vision Zero law.
Reginald Prescott, 57, was driving a bus in East Flatbush when he made a left turn at the intersection of Farragut Road and New York Avenue. He struck Jean Bonne-Anee, 78, who died at the scene. Sources call that particular left turn “difficult,” and some disagree with the driver’s arrest. Prescott was charged with failure to yield, a violation that is now a misdemeanor crime under the Vision Zero plan. Allegedly, arresting officers apologized to Prescott, noting that they had “orders and we have to have follow them.”
Operators delayed the opening of their shifts at the Flatbush Depot on Fillmore Avenue and the Jackie Gleason Depot on Fifth Avenue in Sunset Park in a show of solidarity for their colleague by refusing to leave the depots.
Pedestrian Deaths High In NYC
Pedestrian accidents are always at high numbers in the New York metro area. Last year, there were 168 pedestrians killed and 12,014 pedestrians injured in accidents reported by the NYPD. By way of comparison, there were 10 cyclists killed and 4,045 cyclists injured in car crashes during that same time period.
Pedestrians are obviously at high risk in the New York City area. However, many efforts such as the Vision Zero law seem to be aimed at punishing drivers with criminal charges rather than addressing the problem of paying for costs associated with injuries such as medical bills and lost wages.
What Should I Do If I Am The Victim of a Pedestrian Accident?
If you are injured in a pedestrian accident, it is very important that you think about collecting money for your injuries. You may be facing high medical costs as well as lost income. You may even have permanent injuries that affect your ability to earn money for the rest of your life.
Contact the experienced personal injury attorneys at Fitzgerald Law Firm in New York for help. We can assist you in protecting yourself and seeking compensation for your pedestrian accident, no matter what the circumstances. Call today for a free consultation.