November 11, 2015

Dangerous Intersections in Brooklyn: Avenue H and Nostrand Avenue

Posted in Pedestrian Accidents, Personal Injury

This week we continue our journey through the most dangerous intersections in Brooklyn when it comes to pedestrian injuries and fatalities. Last week we described the intersection of Flatbush Avenue and Avenue H where there were 7 collisions in 2014. In this installment of the series we will be looking at the intersection of Avenue H and Nostrand Avenue, where crossing the street can potentially cost pedestrians their lives.

The intersection in question has been known to locals as a place where children are at risk for getting injured or killed by the busy and aggressive driving of the passing traffic. Within a one-block radius of this intersection, 50 children under the age of 17 were injured by vehicles in a seven-year period.

Residents of the area say that they are aware of the dangers that the intersection creates, but due to the countless pedestrian injuries, they no longer feel that anything can be done to solve the problem. In the 70th Precinct, where the intersection is located, there were 157 collisions between 2012-2013

What makes this intersection on of the most dangerous intersections in Brooklyn for pedestrians is that the roads are heavily trafficked, with lots of pedestrians traversing along the sidewalks since near the intersection are bus stops, a shopping center, and a school.

In November of 2015, A pedestrian was killed and three others were injured when a car lost control and flipped into the bus stop area. The pedestrian died during transport to the hospital and the others who were struck by debris were taken to Kings County Hospital and were reported to be stable.

Residents of the area have complained that there should be more signage telling pedestrians and drivers alike to be mindful of the intersection, and that the crosswalks are almost invisible due to the amount of wear. The Vision Zero Initiative aims to put an end to all traffic deaths in New York City and while there has been a decrease in the amount of pedestrians that have been killed, pedestrians should always remain aware of their surroundings when near traffic.