Just about a year after New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio enacted the Right of Way law to try to eliminate all traffic-related deaths in the city, a new settlement shifts things around again.
Previously, if a bus driver struck a pedestrian, law enforcement called to the scene would have to automatically arrest the driver then and there, regardless of the circumstances. This meant that if a jaywalker chose not to check for cross traffic, leapt into the street, and was hit by a bus, the bus driver would still be put in cuffs.
City officials and Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) members have now found a middle ground, though, that should bring some relief to city transportation staff. In order for a bus driver to be arrested after hitting a pedestrian, there must be some evidence that the driver was being negligent or failed to use “due care.” Texting and driving or speeding are two common examples of actions that could be used against the bus driver.
Are There More Changes On the Way?
Mayor de Blasio’s “Vision Zero” initiative aims to lower traffic accidents deaths in New York to zero, one way or another. But are the changes it needs to make to get this done excessive or unrealistic? As of now, the decision to revoke the automatic arrest of bus drivers involved in a pedestrian accident does not seem to hint at any further alterations being made to legislation.
If you would like to know more about bus accidents in New York City – or if you have received a ticket as a bus driver – you can reach the New York traffic ticket attorneys at Gannes & Musico, LLP for assistance. We have years of collective experience handling traffic-related cases of all kinds, and we can certainly help you with whatever problems you might be facing. Call 877.803.2603 today for your free initial consultation with our team.