BALLSTON, N.Y. (NEWS10) — According to TRIP, a nationwide analysis group, New York visitors fatalities have surged by 23% from 2019 to 2022. Cynthia Dort, Extension Community Educator at Cornell University Cooperative Extension Saratoga County, teaches defensive driving programs. She says because it will get darker earlier outdoors, pedestrians want to be sure that they’re seen to drivers as a lot as doable.
“You know, if you have dark clothing on, sometimes, unfortunately, drivers are distracted. They’re looking at the sides of the road, other things they’re not thinking about, and all of a sudden, you’re in front of them,” Dort stated.
Eric Connolly is the Town Supervisor for Ballston. He says the intersection the place this morning’s accident occurred is without doubt one of the busiest in city, and he has observed an increase in drivers dashing.
“I just would like to encourage everyone driving through the town of Ballston to slow down a bit and pay really close attention because there’s a lot of distracted driving happening,” he stated. There’s lots of people in a rush for some cause after COVID.”
Officials say drivers ought to all the time listen to the velocity limits and, in case of an accident, keep and name for assist.
“I just feel like we owe it to each other to take care of each other,” Cynthia Dort stated. “Make sure that we stop, we stay. What can we do to help? Maybe you can help that person while you’re waiting for 911.”
She says she understands how anybody can really feel scared when concerned in a automobile accident, however it’s a visitors violation should you go away the scene of an accident that includes property harm. It turns into a felony violation should you go away the scene of an accident the place somebody is harm or has died.
“The police are there to help. They are not there to throw you in jail. They are not there to crucify you. They want to help,” she stated. “And I think the more you can help, the more they can help.”
The Town Supervisor for Ballston additionally says that the realm continues to develop, and the Town Board plans to add extra security options across the crosswalk to make pedestrians really feel safer.
