Below are the findings:
- most startlingly, 44% of pedestrian accidents occurred while the person walked within a cross walk and with the light. Clearly, pedestrians MUST be vigilant even when “they’re in the right”. Indeed, 6% of pedestrians were injured while on the sidewalk. Jaywalking pedestrians only accounted for 23% of the accidents, and those who disregarded the light made up 6% of the injured.
- taxis pose the largest threat to cyclists with 40% of injured cyclists being hit by cabs, and a 25% of pedestrian accidents also involved taxis. Cab drivers pull along side curbs and hustle about for fares accounting, in part, for these stats.
- obese pedestrians overall sustained less severe injuries than their move svelte counterparts. Apparently, extra body fat acts as a cushion.
- 15% of pedestrians and 11% of cyclists consumed alcohol before their accident. No surprise here.
- 8% of injured pedestrians and cyclists we using an electronic device like a cell phone or iPod. Again, no surprise.
- less than 33% of injured cyclists we wearing helmets. Again, no surprise. You MUST wear a helmet anytime you get up on a bike.
- on weekdays, 60% of injured pedestrians were hurt between 9 am and 6 pm, high traffic hours.
- cyclists were most likely to be injured between 12 pm and 3 pm, and were more common than pedestrian hours between 6 pm and midnight. Food deliveries during these time slots could account for these stats
Bottom line: Pedestrians and cyclists must be vigilant at all times and refrain from consuming alcohol and being distracted.