Pedestrian Accidents
Vision Zero Boston Is Working to Make the City Safer
Vision Zero in Boston is a road safety initiative that aims to eliminate traffic fatalities and severe injuries while enhancing transportation equity and efficiency throughout the city. Vision Zero’s root belief is that no loss of life or serious injury on our city streets is acceptable. The program emphasizes a redesign of streets and intersections…
Read MoreWill Mayor Wu’s Plans Help Save Pedestrian Lives?
Pedestrian and bicycle accidents can be particularly dangerous in Massachusetts due to the mix of urban and suburban environments, high traffic volumes, and sometimes inadequate infrastructure for non-motorized transportation. Boston in particular has densely populated areas with heavy traffic and older roadways, increasing the risk of collisions with pedestrians and cyclists. As a result, efforts…
Read MoreWhen Runaway Vehicles Hit Pedestrians: The Complexities of Pedestrian Strike Crashes
Runaway vehicles can be lethal. Last year, a man in Hingham drove his car into an Apple store. The crash injured at least 18 people and fatally injured one. This type of collision may be less common than rear-end crashes, but it can be far more devastating (and deadly) when it occurs. Pedestrian strike accidents…
Read MorePedestrian Fatalities Rising Across Massachusetts
A recent article in the Boston Globe revealed that pedestrian deaths are rising across the state. Not only did the number of deaths increase, but the number of cities and towns that experience fatal pedestrian accidents also increased. The Globe reported, “Massachusetts had a 35 percent increase in pedestrian deaths in 2022, when 101 people…
Read MoreThe Rights and Responsibilities of Pedestrians in Boston
Pedestrians may not be riding on the roads and sharing lanes with cars, but they certainly have many rights that motorists must respect. Pedestrians are much more vulnerable than those behind metal shields, so even a simple tap from a car can cause grave injuries. It is crucial that pedestrians know their rights while they…
Read MoreVulnerable Road User Protections, Truck Safety Measures Signed into Massachusetts Law
In a late victory for cyclists and pedestrians, Gov. Charlie Baker signed a critical road safety bill into law during his final days in office. While encouraging safety, the legislation may also position Massachusetts as a leader on truck safety and protecting vulnerable road users. Gov. Baker – now the former governor – signed An…
Read MoreDrive Safely Near Pedestrians This Holiday Season
Make a Holiday Safety Plan Next time you stop at an intersection, check. Check in front of your vehicle, side to side, then behind. Expect to see pedestrians. Unless it’s winter and you are driving at night in Massachusetts. Then it becomes more difficult to see, raising the risk for pedestrian injuries at night. You may…
Read MoreDeadly Apple Store Crash in Hingham Shows Danger of Cars Striking Buildings
On Monday, a 53-year-old man drove his SUV over a curb and smashed into an Apple store at the Derby Street Shops in Hingham, where it lodged in the back wall of the shop. One man was killed, and at least 18 more people were injured. The driver, Bradley Rein, claims his foot got stuck on…
Read MoreCambridge Explores “No Turn on Red” Traffic Policy to Protect Cyclists and Pedestrians
Cambridge is now exploring how to implement “no turn on red” traffic regulations citywide, with a goal of improving safety conditions for cyclists and pedestrians. The Cambridge City Council backed the proposal in a 7-2 vote on Monday, November 7, 2022. With the City Council’s vote, Cambridge becomes one of the first U.S. cities to…
Read MoreMassachusetts House and Senate Send Governor Long-Awaited Bill to Protect Vulnerable Road Users
At long last, the Massachusetts House and Senate have now sent Gov. Charlie Baker a bill to protect vulnerable road users. One of the bill’s proponents announced the news on his blog, saying the legislation follows 10 years of collaboration among lawmakers and road safety advocates. We encourage readers to call the governor’s office and…
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