Police have released a sketch of an unidentified pedestrian accident victim in Buffalo, who was killed last week on Broadway. He was killed Thursday at 7:30 p.m. as he attempted to cross at Broadway and Woltz.

The Buffalo News reported it was the second time in less than 24 hours a pedestrian was struck by a vehicle and the latest in a long string of Buffalo pedestrian accidents. Our Buffalo personal injury lawyers know nearly one-third of traffic accident fatalities in New York are pedestrians. The New York State Department of Transportation reports 311 pedestrians were among the 1,119 traffic fatalities reported in 2010. More than 16,000 pedestrians were injured.

These tragedies are frequently caused by drivers who are not paying attention, who fail to yield the right-of-way or who otherwise act negligently in causing a pedestrian accident. Speeding is another likely cause — an increase of 5 mph more than doubles a walker’s risk of dying in the event of an accident.

The New York State Department of Transportation’s participation in the nationwide Safe Routes to School initiative is one program working to reduce the risk of serious or fatal pedestrian accidents involving younger children. In New York, and in other parts of the country, the number of children who walk and bike to school has declined dramatically over the years. The program aims to teach safety while encouraging children to walk or bike to school as a healthy, environmentally friendly travel alternative.

Whether a school bus accident, a bicycle accident or a pedestrian accident, the back-to-school season also increases the risk of tragic accidents involving young people. Motorists must use extra caution when traveling near schools or through residential neighborhoods, particularly in the early morning and afternoon hours.

But the truth of the matter is autumn is a dangerous time for pedestrian accidents. The end of Daylight Savings Time means an early dark that increases the risks, as do deteriorating weather condition. Combine that with Halloween and back-to-school, and the risks are bound to increase.

And, unfortunately, alcohol is too often involved in serious or fatal pedestrian accidents in Buffalo and elsewhere in New York.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports drunk driving accidents account for one-third of all traffic fatalities.

If you’ve been injured in Buffalo or the surrounding area, contact the Law Offices of James Morris today for a free consultation to discuss your rights. Call 800-477-9044