These days distractions are easier to come by than ever before. Between the mobile entertainment systems in our pockets and the drive through restaurants offering on-the-go food at every other street corner, there is plenty of distractions available to keep our eyes off the road. Last year alone, distracted driving caused 431,000 injuries and 3,179 deaths in the U.S.
Unfortunately, Bronx is not immune to the ever-growing deadly epidemic. In 2015 there were a total of 730 distracted driving related car accidents in Bronx. Those accidents resulted in 1003 injuries and 2 deaths. While distractions can present themselves at any time in any place, it appears there are a few streets in the north borough that are more prone to distraction than others. Even if you’re someone with laser focus, it would be in your best interest to avoid these streets in your daily commute if possible.
Webster Avenue (35 Accidents)
[googlemaps https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m0!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v148345941309%20%207!6m8!1m7!1sjsx18Y_CqRzDlTVI5_Ax0g!2m2!1d40.86244560559961!2d-73.89043372%20%2082933!3f222.3282857928972!4f-0.47127600789926305!5f0.7820865974627469&w=600&h=450]Unlike its parallel counterparts, Webster Avenue does not have any subway lines running above and is considerably wide for an inner-city street. Given these conditions, it would seem Webster should be a fairly safe road to drive on, but that doesn’t quite appear to be the case. As one of the longest thoroughfares in Bronx, Webster is heavily trafficked throughout the day. With so many cars, trucks, and buses on the road, one five second distraction can cause a significant amount of damage.
In 2015 there were a total of 35 distracted driving related accidents resulting in 46 injuries on Webster Avenue. A majority of the accidents occurred during peak morning and afternoon commute hours (8:00 – 10:00 a.m. & 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.). Those looking to avoid Webster could take Marion/Hull Avenue headed south or Briggs Avenue headed north for a good portion of their commute.
Grand Concourse (30 Accidents)
[googlemaps https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m0!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v148345947659%20%207!6m8!1m7!1sZPOl0fL2d_9U6Wn3eAUL3Q!2m2!1d40.86390382565691!2d-73.895992%20%2034707548!3f21.069797257471087!4f-7.413651421024213!5f1.1924812503605782&w=600&h=450]At eight lanes wide, Grand Concourse is one of the Bronx’s largest and most trafficked artery roads. The road is home to a handful of the most prominent buildings in Bronx, including The Bronx County Courthouse and The Bronx Museum of the Arts. It comes as no surprise that the major thoroughfare is also one of the most distracted roads in the Bronx.
Grand Concourse was the site of 30 distracted driving related accidents in 2015 that yielded a total of 42 injuries. Unlike Webster, distracted accidents tended to occur later at night on Grand Concourse with a third of crashes falling between 7:00 – 11:00 p.m. A good portion of Grand Concourse could be avoided with Valentine Avenue or Creston Avenue, which combined saw a total of four accidents.
Jerome Avenue (25 Accidents)
[googlemaps https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m0!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v148346101590%20%206!6m8!1m7!1soVLIwp7heCoz6pa1_44fOw!2m2!1d40.87723562754297!2d-73.8875954%20%208665213!3f205.088280610404!4f-4.886972243812494!5f0.7820865974627469&w=600&h=450]Yet another long thoroughfare for Bronx, Jerome Avenue stretches from Highbridge to Woodlawn. The road has been a major commercial artery since the installation of the 4 train subway line and sees a significant amount of traffic.
In 2015 there were a total of 25 accidents and 28 injuries that occurred on Jerome Avenue. Accidents were evenly spread throughout the day, but could be avoided entirely by heading just a few blocks west. University Avenue (8 accidents) and Sedgwick Avenue (10 accidents) serve the west side of Bronx and have historically seen a significantly lower number of distracted driving related accidents. The roads may lengthen your commute by a few minutes, but there’s no doubt that they are safer alternatives.
By avoiding these three streets your risk of ending up in a distracted driving related accident is significantly reduced. If you cannot avoid the major Bronx arteries above, the least you can do is remain vigilant while driving on them. Keep your phone and your food out of your hands while behind the wheel.
Law Office of Ivan Diamond
888 Grand Concourse #1L
Bronx, NY 10451
Tel.: 718-588-2000
E-mail: ivan@diamondinjurylaw.com
URL: diamondinjurylaw.com
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