Updated 04/19/2010 05:16 PM
City Surveys Pedestrian Safety At Intersections
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Hazardous intersections all over the city are being surveyed this week as part of a statewide campaign aimed at improving pedestrian safety.
City Council members are being joined with volunteers from the AARP to help with the "Complete Streets Week" survey.
According to the AARP, New York State ranks third in the nation among pedestrian fatalities involving senior citizens.
"We have 70 intersections that are being surveyed today, so that we can take a comprehensive look, so we can begin to reclaim these streets and sidewalks," said City Councilwoman Jessica Lapin.
"How do we give seniors increased visibility at intersections where they shop and walk and go to doctors every day, at senior centers?” said City Councilman James Vacca. “How do we make those intersections safer for them?"
Pedestrian accidents are the second leading cause of death of people over the age of 45.
"A neighbor who witnessed it said a bus came out of nowhere and knocked her down," said a friend of a victim. "She was 82 years old and she didn't have Alzheimer's or anything. She was a very sharp lady."
The information gathered this week will be passed along to the Department of Transportation in order for it to implement safety measures where possible.