Pedestrians and motorists alike should look both ways – twice – before crossing Delancey Street at Essex.
There have been more than 520 motor vehicle accidents, 134 of which have involved pedestrians or bicyclists, at the Manhattan intersection over the last 12 years, according to state Department of Transportation statistics obtained by the Daily News.
Nearly 260 people have been injured in accidents at the intersection in that time frame, and three people have been killed. Sanford Rubenstein, an attorney for one victim’s family, tells the News extensive construction and blockades are to blame for the death of Patricia Crockett, the Brooklyn woman crushed to death by a private sanitation truck as she crossed Delancey in May.
Rubenstein says Crockett was forced to walk outside the crosswalk because of barricades placed there by city workers.
Department of Transportation spokesman Monty Dean told the News the agency has endeavored to make the intersection safer by reformatting streets and implementing measures to give pedestrians more time to cross the street. Countdown signals are also planned.
NYPD spokesman Paul Browne did not respond to the News’ requests for comment about police activity at the intersection.
