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Garden City is taking measures to protect the public from traffic accidents, especially along the 7th Street business district and the village’s “downtown.”
One such measure is installing a physical barrier to bear the brunt of any collisions that occur. If a driver loses control of their vehicle, they will hit a protective bollard before colliding with any pedestrian in their path.
The city’s current plan is to place bollards, which are short, sturdy vertical posts, outside of Leo’s Midway Restaurant & Bar (190 7th Street) and The French Workshop (191 7th Street). Officials hope the devices will help fortify the busy corner of 7th and Franklin, which also includes a Starbucks and Bagelman across the street.
Many of the bollards are already in storage, awaiting installation, and several have already been installed in other popular areas along Franklin Avenue.
Other Safety Ideas
The Garden City Department of Public Works is also exploring other ways to protect pedestrians.
One official was inspired by Manhattan, where “very effective large slabs of stone” keep pedestrians safe without interrupting the city’s aesthetics, blocking vision, altering the existing sidewalk, or requiring maintenance. Another Garden City resident pointed out that drivers need a dedicated left-turn signal from Franklin Avenue onto 7th Street.
Overall, city officials are hard at work, considering past accident statistics and looking to the five boroughs of New York City as an example.
Why Preventing Pedestrian Accidents Is Important
While all auto accidents can have devastating consequences, pedestrian accidents are more likely to lead to serious injuries and traffic fatalities. When a car collides with a pedestrian, a person’s body must absorb the full impact of the accident.
Installing bollards is an effective way to mitigate this damage, but officials must also consider the flow of both vehicular and pedestrian traffic and find ways to reduce collisions altogether.
Fortunately, Garden City allows for public engagement and local news sources keep residents informed. You can contact the city and its various departments here.
What To Do if You’ve Been Involved in a Pedestrian Accident
If you were hit by a car while walking on the sidewalk or crossing the street, you should not have to face the consequences of your accident alone.
As such, we encourage you to contact our attorneys at Foley Griffin today.
With over 75 years of experience, we can help you come to terms with your accident, determine its cause, and help you recover the compensation you need to heal.
We can be reached directly at (888) 966-8480, or you can set up your free consultation online.
Our team looks forward to hearing from you and helping you through this difficult time.