Right-of-Way Law Leading to Multiple Summons and Arrests

New statistics regarding the New York City’s 2014 Right-of-Way Law were released at the recent 2016 Vision Zero Conference that was held on March 10. The Right-of-Way statute makes it a misdemeanor for drivers who do not yield to pedestrians and cyclists. The Gothamist reported that the law was created out of concern for the lack of NYPD investigation into many pedestrian and cyclist accidents. Generally, pedestrian and cyclist accidents were only investigated by the city’s Collision Investigation Squad if there was a fatality involved.

Since the enactment of the Right-of-Way law, summonses for failing to yield have been increasing every year. In the first four months after the law was active, 12 drivers were arrested under the statute. As of December 2015, that number doubled to 24. In the first quarter of 2016, 400 drivers have been issued summonses and 11 drivers have been arrested for allegedly failing to yield to pedestrians or cyclists.

In addition to releasing the new statistics, the status of NYPD’s Collision Investigation Squad was discussed. The Gothamist reported that in the last few years, the squad’s responsibility has expanded to include collisions resulting in serious injuries, instead of the limitation to fatal accidents only. Even though the squad is understaffed and unable to investigate all of the accidents which occur involving pedestrians and cyclists, NYPD Commissioner Bill Bratton announced recently that no additional investigator positons will be added to defray the amount of cases.

Efforts to improve New York City traffic safety is an ongoing process. Regardless, auto accidents are an unfortunate reality for too many people. If you have been in a car accident that resulted from someone else’s negligence or recklessness, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact a personal injury attorney who can best advise you of your legal remedies and will fight to get you the compensation you deserve. Call Sakkas, Cahn & Weiss, LLP at 332-239-1601.