Tragically, yet another pedestrian in New York was struck and killed while simply trying to cross the street.
On the evening of Tuesday, Sept. 7, 2021, 68-year-old Ruth Mullen was crossing in the crosswalk near her Bronx home, when she was struck by an MTA bus making a left turn at the intersection of Johnson Avenue and Kappock Street. She was pinned under the bus, and although first responders tried to save her, she was pronounced dead at the scene.
Our deepest condolences go out to Ms. Mullen’s loved ones during this difficult time.
There is not yet any detailed information on the cause of the accident. The bus driver stayed at the scene. Officials say the driver will be removed from service for the time being and will be required to take “fitness for duty” tests.
In a statement, Interim New York City Transit President Craig Cipriano said, “Our condolences and deepest sympathy go out to the family of the woman who did not survive an incident involving a bus in the Riverdale section of the Bronx. It’s heartbreaking, we won’t rest until the facts and cause are determined and we are fully cooperating with the NYPD investigation.”
Pedestrian accidents like these are unacceptable. All drivers, bus drivers included, have a duty to drive safely and keep others on the road from harm; this includes other drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians.
All bus drivers in New York State have certain responsibilities and requirements they must adhere to in order to prevent accidents. According to the New York Department of Transportation, drivers must have a commercial driver’s license (CDL) to operate larger vehicles like buses, especially if they transport passengers. In order to obtain a CDL, drivers must go through extra training and pass additional tests. Additionally, bus drivers must pass a medical examination and submit their previous driving record to prove they are fit to operate a passenger vehicle. Once confirmed as a bus operator, drivers must inspect their vehicle before operating it, to ensure it is safe for driving.
In addition to all these safety precautions, while driving, bus drivers must follow the same rules of the road that any driver of a typical passenger vehicle would, perhaps being even more vigilant due to the immense size of the bus and the fact that they are often carrying passengers. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) provides driving safety tips to avoid pedestrian accidents, including slowing down and preparing to stop when turning or entering a crosswalk, and using extra caution when driving at night or other situations with limited visibility.
It is clear that there are many safety rules and precautions in place that are meant to prevent accidents and keep pedestrians out of harm’s way. Pedestrians should not have to fear for their lives when sharing the road with buses and other vehicles.
If you or a loved one has been injured or did not survive a pedestrian accident, the personal injury lawyers at Block O’Toole & Murphy are here to help. We have handled numerous pedestrian accident cases, such as a $32,756,156 result for a pedestrian who was severely injured by an intoxicated driver and a $13,500,000 settlement for a young woman who suffered a brain injury after she was struck by a commercial vehicle while crossing the street. We understand your confusion and pain and are here to help you obtain the compensation you are legally entitled to.
Call 212-736-5300 or fill out our contact form to speak to an expert personal injury attorney today.