Which Driver Actions Contributed to the Most Car Accidents in Brooklyn
Car accidents occur constantly, with thousands of crashes occurring in the New York City area each month. While some auto accidents only result in property damage, others result in serious injury or death.
At Zucker & Regev, P.C., we represent those that have been injured as a result of a car accident. Here, we discuss the driver actions that contributed to the most injury and fatal collisions in Brooklyn, NY in March of 2019.
Driver Inattention or Distraction
The New York City Police Department collects and posts data about the types of motor vehicle accidents that occur citywide, by borough, and by precinct.
According to their report for Brooklyn in March of 2019, 1,416 vehicles were involved in accidents in which driver inattention or distraction was a contributing factor. Types of driver inattention and distraction can include talking or texting on a cell phone, talking to other passengers, grabbing something out of a purse or backseat, eating while driving, and any other behavior that takes your mind or eyes off of the road.
Following Too Closely
According to the NYPD, 480 vehicles were involved in crashes in which following too closely was a contributing factor. In an urban, traffic-prone area like Brooklyn, this is no surprise. Unfortunately, when drivers are following too closely, they run the risk of hitting the vehicle in front of them if it comes to a sudden stop. This can result in serious injuries, including whiplash, for drivers or passengers in the leading vehicle.
Failure to Yield Right-Of-Way
A total of 449 vehicles were involved in car accidents in which a failure to yield the right-of-way was a contributing factor. These types of accidents can happen at stop signs, traffic lights, and when merging.
Unfortunately, these types of accidents often occur at intersections in which at least one vehicle is traveling at a high rate of speed. This can result in serious injuries or fatalities when a collision occurs.
Passing Too Closely
The NYPD reports that 288 vehicles were involved in accidents in which passing too closely was a contributing factor. With the traffic in Brooklyn, this is not particularly surprising, but this driver action is especially dangerous to other drivers, as well as to pedestrians and bicyclists.
Improper Passing or Lane Usage
Improper passing or lane usage was a contributing factor for 264 vehicles involved in crashes. These types of driver actions can be common on busy, city streets.
Other Contributing Factors
The NYPD provides a list of driver actions that play a role in car accidents. For March of 2019, these driver actions contributed to car accidents:
- Backing unsafely: 259
- Unsafe lane changing: 131
- Turning improperly: 104
- Driver inexperience: 90
- Traffic control disregarded: 86
- Unsafe speed: 81
- Alcohol involvement: 64
- Other uninvolved vehicle: 62
- Error or confusion involving a pedestrian or bike: 30
- Aggressive driving or road rage: 27
- Outside car distraction: 15
- Fell asleep: 13
- Passenger distraction: 13
- Failure to keep right: 6
- Illness: 6
- Fatigue or drowsiness: 5
- Drugs (illegal): 3
- Cell phone (hand-held): 2
- Lost consciousness: 2
- Texting: 1
Contact Our Practice
If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident, contact our practice online or call us at (718) 624-1211 to schedule a time to have one of our attorneys review your case.
