Recently in Pedestrian accidents Category

January 24, 2012

Boston Public Health Commission Finds High Risk for Pedestrian Accidents, Offers Safety Tips

pedestrian.jpgRecently, the Boston Public Health Commission's "Walk This Way" study found that there are around 2 million pedestrians walking around Boston daily. Although Boston is often lauded as a pleasant walking city, the high volume of vehicular and pedestrian traffic creates an increased risk of pedestrian accidents. In fact, according to the BPHC, every day there are three pedestrian accidents in Boston alone.

The BPHC's Walk This Way initiative provides pedestrians in and around Boston with some helpful safety tips to minimize the risk of pedestrian accidents, which often result in personal injury and/or death. In the year before Walk This Way was launched, 1,166 pedestrians were taken to the hospital following a car accident in Boston. Since the initiative began, the number of pedestrian accidents has decreased. Nonetheless, drivers and pedestrians in Boston do not always practice safe travel habits that can reduce the number of pedestrian accidents even further.

According to Walk This Way, only 12% of pedestrians in Boston waited for the "Walk" signal before crossing the street and 1/3 of pedestrians frequently jaywalk. Perhaps the most staggering statistic was that while 95% of drivers yield to pedestrians who have the right of way, only 50% of drivers yielded to pedestrians crossing against the light and even fewer slowed down for jaywalkers.

The majority of pedestrian accidents are the result of a driver's negligence, including disregarding traffic laws and road signs, texting while driving, speeding, failing to yield to pedestrians, or simply not paying attention to the road. Unfortunately, insurance companies often attempt to fault the pedestrian to avoid payment. Consequently, a swift and thorough investigation of the motorist is in order and victims of a pedestrian accident should seek skilled and experienced legal representation as soon as possible. The Boston personal injury attorneys at Bellotti Law Group have successfully handled hundreds of pedestrian accident cases. Our Boston, Cambridge, and Quincy personal injury lawyers will work diligently to get your medical bills paid and your life back on track. Contact us at 617-225-2100 for a free consultation.

The BPHC has published a list of helpful safety tips for both drivers and pedestrians that can help to greatly reduce the number of pedestrian accidents in the congested streets of Boston, Cambridge, Quincy, and all of Massachusetts.

Safety Tips from the BPHC for Pedestrians:

- Always use the crosswalk.

- If you're at a crosswalk with a traffic light, push the button and wait for the "Walk" signal.

- If you're at a crosswalk without a traffic light, you have the right of way. However, make sure approaching drivers see you and come to a complete stop before you cross.

- On roads without sidewalks, walk on the left side of the road, facing traffic.

- Watch for cars backing out of parking spaces and driveways.

Safety Tips from the BPHC for Drivers:

- Pedestrians have the right of way in crosswalks without traffic signals.

- Drivers should always yield to pedestrians on turns. Special challenges arise when children and elderly cross the streets, such as visual limitations, increased distractions and slower pace.

- Take your time. Speeding and reckless driving are factors in nearly 23% of motor
vehicle crashes, and doesn't usually save you much time in the long run.

Bellotti Law Group serves Greater Boston, Cambridge, Quincy, Braintree, Brookline, Newton, the South Shore, and all of Massachusetts. Our offices are located in Cambridge and Quincy. Contact us today at 617-225-2100 or toll-free at 800-334-3476.

September 25, 2011

Driver Charged in Fatal Pedestrian Accident in Haverhill

Pedestrian.jpgA Haverhill, Massachusetts man has recently been charged with motor vehicle homicide by negligent operation and failing to slow for a pedestrian in a crosswalk after fatally striking a Massachusetts pedestrian last fall.

The 67-year-old driver was traveling on School Street in Haverhill when he struck the 74-year-old woman. According to the Eagle Tribune, the driver told Haverhill police that he was on his way back home after visiting the Essex County Probate Court in Salem and was not under the influence of drugs or alcohol. A trial date has been set for September 15 in Haverhill District Court.

Pedestrian accidents are a growing concern in Massachusetts. According to the Massachusetts Office of Public Safety and Security, nearly 1/4 of all motor-vehicle related fatalities in Massachusetts involve pedestrians. Non-fatal pedestrian injuries are even more common in Massachusetts and on the national stage. In fact, the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration notes that a pedestrian injury occurs once every 8 minutes.

Most pedestrian accidents are the result of a driver's negligence. Pursuant to Massachusetts law, pedestrians are granted the "right of way" when walking along roadways, especially inside crosswalks. Drivers must be cognizant of pedestrians, slow down, and pass only when safe to do so. Pedestrians must also exhibit reasonable caution when crossing roads.

Click here to read more about this case in the Eagle-Tribune newspaper.

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September 15, 2011

Boston University Hosts Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Day

bike.jpgBoston University recently sponsored a "Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Day" on its Charles River Campus, promoting efforts to save lives by safeguarding against bicycle collisions and pedestrian accidents.

According to BU Today, the number of bicyclists on the Charles River Campus has increased 69 percent over the past four years. Boston University Parking & Transportation Services attributes to increase in cycling to the addition of designated bicycle lanes on Commonwealth Avenue and the BU Bridge. The program is geared to educate student cyclists about the unique challenges and dangers of bicycling in a busy city. As the article notes, "bicycling in the city comes with a host of special challenges, particularly for those used to riding on less-trafficked suburban streets...there are MBTA's Green Line trolleys and thousands of cars, many driven by people who are not bike sensitive."

According to the Boston Police Department, there were 340 bicycle-related accidents in 2010, including 6 fatal accidents. While biking in the Greater Boston area comes with a heightened risk of pedestrian and cycling accidents, there are parts of the city with greater than average accident rates.

According to a 2009 accident survey conducted by "Boston Bikes," a program run by Boston Mayor Menino's office, Commonwealth Avenue, particularly around the BU Bridge, is the most perilous area in the city for cyclists. Contributing to this increased incident of Boston cycling accidents is the high amounts of pedestrian and vehicular traffic, busy roadways, and congested sidewalks.

In an effort to make Boston roads more bicycle-friendly, the city has recently added new "bicycle lanes" on many high-traffic roads. The new bicycle lanes have come at an appropriate time, as Boston recently launched the new "Hubway" bike-sharing program. With the ability to rent bicycles in the city, other motorists can expect to share the road with even more cyclists. This means that motorists must always be cognizant of the presence of cyclists, especially in the designated lanes on busy streets.

According to Massachusetts bicycle accident lawyer Peter Bellotti of the Bellotti Law Group, "It is important to remember that under Massachusetts law, bicycles are considered vehicles, with the same freedoms and responsibilities as other vehicles on the road. Cyclists must follow all traffic rules and regulations, to the same extent as their four-wheeled counterparts. If traffic laws are not followed by drivers or cyclists, liability for injuries or other damages can be imposed."

When a bicycle accident is caused by reckless or negligent driving, the driver may be responsible for the injured bicyclist's medical bills, pain and suffering, loss of wages, and loss of potential future earnings.

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September 4, 2011

Reducing Pedestrian Accidents in North Attleboro

crosswalk.jpgAs summer fades and thousands of Massachusetts adolescents return to school, traffic safety rules and avoidance of pedestrian accidents has once again taken center stage. One Massachusetts town, North Attleboro, has taken a proactive approach in reducing pedestrian accidents as a new school year begins.

Recently, North Attleboro Police Chief John J. Reilly told The Sun Chronicle that his department is instituting a new "Traffic Enforcement Program," which will include crosswalk sting operations. The Chief went on to note that North Attleboro police will be increasingly vigilant in enforcing traffic safety rules as the school year will bring an increase in vehicular and pedestrian traffic, often involving small children. The police will also be issuing tickets for parking violations, especially in handicap and fire lanes, as well as vehicles parked on sidewalks, according to Chief Reilly.

Massachusetts drivers should note that pursuant to state law, motorists must stop for pedestrians in crosswalks. According to Chief Reilly, under the new North Attleboro Traffic Enforcement Program, failure to stop for a pedestrian in a crosswalk will bring a $200 fine on the offending driver.

Failure to stop in a crosswalk is not the only vehicular offense with increased penalties and surveillance under the plan. The town has now reduced the speed limit from Fisher and North Washington streets to Chestnut and South Washington streets in North Attleboro to 20 mph. North Attleboro police will conduct increased radar enforcement in the area.

Lastly, the North Attleboro police reminded bicyclists and skateboarders that these vehicles are prohibited on sidewalks in the downtown area, due to higher amounts of pedestrian traffic.

In all, it's an encouraging sign to see North Attleboro taking proactive steps to reduce the number of pedestrian accidents in town. As the new school year approaches, it is advisable that parents instruct their children to always look both ways before crossing streets and to only cross when absolutely safe to do so. Sadly, many pedestrian accidents involving younger children occur because smaller children are more difficult for motorists to see and often step out into the road unpredictably. On the same token, it is imperative that drivers employ an increasingly heightened awareness and safe driving maneuvers in areas frequented by young children, particularly school zones. Otherwise, a driver may be held negligent in the case of a pedestrian accident.

Click here to read more about North Attleboro's traffic safety program.

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September 1, 2011

Revere Car Accident Prompts Calls for Stricter Speeding Enforcement on Rte. 1A

rte1A.jpgRoute 1A in Revere, Massachusetts has become notorious for speed-induced pedestrian accidents. In early September, yet another pedestrian accident occurred when a 22-year-old Massachusetts woman sustained serious personal injuries after being struck by a vehicle on the dangerous stretch of road. The vehicle was driven by a 47-year-old East Boston man. The motorist was arrested and charged with motor vehicle homicide and leaving the scene of the accident after hitting the young woman. The victim was transported to Massachusetts General Hospital right after the accident, but was unable to be revived.

Though tragic, this pedestrian accident has sparked a push in Revere for more stringent patrolling of traffic safety rules on Route 1A. In fact, following the motor vehicle accident, Revere City Councilor John R. Correggio filed an emergency motion with the City Council requesting the Massachusetts State Police and Revere Police be more vigilant in curbing excessive speeding on Route 1A.

Correggio told The Daily Item that the motion asked for "stricter enforcement as far as the State Police working along with Revere Police to address excessive speeding." He went on to note that "this has been an ongoing problem for years and there's been numerous accidents." Revere Mayor Thomas G. Ambrosino also weighed in, noting that "there's always excessive speeding on the highways, but any additional law enforcement is helpful." The Mayor added that because speeding is so prevalent on Route 1A, it is a particularly hazardous stretch of road to cross on foot.

Pedestrian accidents resulting in injuries and/or death are unfortunately not an uncommon problem in Massachusetts. More often than not, a driver's negligence is to blame for the accident. All drivers have a duty to drive carefully and attentively, especially in areas of high foot traffic. If a motorist breaches this duty an causes an accident, he can be held negligent and liable for the accident. Additionally, all pedestrians are urged to walk in designated safe areas and to cross busy roads only in crosswalks to minimize the risk of a pedestrian accident.

Click here
to read more about this Revere pedestrian accident.

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June 22, 2011

Framingham, Massachusetts Pedestrian Recovering After Being Struck by Trailer on Massachusetts Turnpike

On June 19, a Framingham, Massachusetts pedestrian was struck by a tractor trailer on the Massachusetts Turnpike, eastbound in Framingham. The 45-year-old woman was airlifted to Beth Israel Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts to treat serious injuries she suffered as a result of the accident. Massachusetts State Police shut down the right lanes of the Turnpike, near mile market 113 after the pedestrian accident, so the injured woman could be quickly transported to the hospital via helicopter.

The injured pedestrian suffered numerous injuries as a result of the accident, but was reported to be awake and talking when she arrived at Beth Israel Hospital. State Police are currently investigating why the woman was walking on the Massachusetts Turnpike. While the details of the accident are still being sorted out, it is important to note that pedestrian accidents are not an uncommon occurrence in Massachusetts. According to the Massachusetts Office of Public Safety and Security, nearly 1/4 of all motor-vehicle related fatalities in Massachusetts involved pedestrians. Most pedestrian accidents are the result of a driver's negligence.

Pursuant to Massachusetts law, pedestrians are granted the "right of way" when walking along roadways, especially inside crosswalks. Vehicles must be cognizant of pedestrians, slow down, and pass only when safe to do so. Pedestrians must also exhibit reasonable caution when crossing roads, but more often than not, a driver's failure to operate the vehicle safely is to blame for pedestrian accidents.


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May 31, 2011

Fall River Woman Killed in Pedestrian Accident

A New Bedford, Massachusetts driver struck and killed a pedestrian this Memorial Day weekend, on I-195. The victim was a 40-year-old woman from Fall River, Massachusetts. She was struck in the right travel lane of the highway and pronounced dead at the scene by Boston paramedics. The fatal accident occurred east of Exit 2 on the eastbound side of the highway.

Massachusetts State Police reported that troopers received a call just after 3AM reporting that a pedestrian had been struck. Shortly after the accident, the driver himself called police to report the accident. So far, no arrests have been made and no charges have been filed in connection with the accident. However, Massachusetts State Police, with the assistance of the State Police Collision and Reconstruction Section and the State Police Crime Scene Services Section, are still investigating the accident. State police investigators assigned to the Bristol District Attorney's Office are also assisting with the investigation.

According to the latest study conducted by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS), in 2008, approximately 21% of all motor-vehicle related fatalities in Massachusetts involved pedestrians. In that year alone, there were 233 serious/incapacitating injuries to pedestrians caused by motor vehicles. Most pedestrian accidents are the result of a driver's negligence and unwillingness to practice safe driving. If a driver's negligence was the cause of a pedestrian accident, he will be held liable.

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May 27, 2011

Boston Runaway Car Hits and Drags Pedestrian

A pedestrian accident occurred in Boston, Massachusetts last week when an unmanned runaway car rolled down Mount Vernon Street in Boston's Back Bay, striking a pedestrian and another vehicle. The pedestrian accident occurred at the intersection of Charles Street, injuring a woman walking on Beacon Hill. According to witnesses, the car was double-parked high up the hill on Mount Vernon Street, when it began to roll backwards, hitting another vehicle and a 45-year-old Boston woman before crashing into a street lamp.

Fortunately, the pedestrian was awake and responsive when Boston rescue workers pulled the woman to safety. She was taken to Massachusetts General Hospital for further treatment. Boston police have reported that the car was left in neutral gear, but the vehicle's owner insists that the emergency break was on. Investigations are underway, but no officials charges have been filed.

Although the particular circumstances of this situation rarely occur, pedestrian accidents are not an uncommon occurrence in Massachusetts. Most times, a driver's negligence is the direct cause of the accident. When a driver's negligence leads to a collision with a pedestrian or another vehicle, he is held liable for the accident. Drivers have the responsibility to operate their vehicles safely and to properly yield to pedestrians to avoid motor vehicle accidents.


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May 4, 2011

Hit-and-Run Pedestrian Accident on College Campus Settles for $3.25M

A 2009 hit-and-run pedestrian accident on a Massachusetts college campus has recently been settled for $3.25M. According to Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly, the plaintiff pedestrian, a 21-year-old college student at the time, was injured when she was struck by a vehicle on campus. The defendant operator of the vehicle was found to be driving while intoxicated (DWI) when the accident occurred. Unfortunately, the injuries sustained by the plaintiff were so severe she is unable to accurately recall the drunk driving accident. In all, she suffered multiple traumas, including a foot-long scar on her face. She also sustained facial fractures and cerebellar hemorrhage. The injuries required numerous reconstructive surgeries, totaling $77,000 in medical bills.

The defendant operator fled the accident scene, but was soon apprehended by campus police. He later pled guilty to driving while intoxicated (DWI), leaving the scene of an accident, and reckless driving. The defendant resided with his parents at the time of the drunk driving accident. He held an underlying motor vehicle liability policy of $250,000 on the vehicle and $5 million homeowner's umbrella policy. After mediation, the case ultimately settled for $3.25 million paid by the umbrella carrier.

Hit-and-run pedestrian accidents are unfortunately all too common in Massachusetts. Earlier this month, a 6-year-old boy sustained serious injuries after being struck by a car on Delhi Street, near the Walker Playground, in Mattapan. He was treated at Boston Medical Center and police are still looking for the accident vehicle.

Most pedestrian accidents are the result of a motorist's negligence. Such negligence can take the form of operating under the influence, failing to abide by traffic laws and road signs, texting while driving, speeding, running red lights or stop signs, failing to stop at a crosswalk, or simply not paying adequate attention to the road. Sadly, insurance companies may attempt to fault the pedestrian to avoid payment. Consequently, a claim's success often hinges on a swift and thorough investigation of the motorist. As such, victims of a pedestrian accident or their family should seek legal representation as soon as possible.

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April 29, 2011

Hit-and-Run Pedestrian Accident on Massachusetts College Campus Settles for $3.25M

A 2009 hit-and-run pedestrian accident on a Massachusetts college campus has recently been settled for $3.25M. According to Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly, the plaintiff pedestrian, a 21-year-old college student at the time, was injured when she was struck by a vehicle on campus. The defendant operator of the vehicle was found to be driving while intoxicated (DWI) when the accident occurred. Unfortunately, the injuries sustained by the plaintiff were so severe she is unable to accurately recall the accident. In all, she suffered multiple traumas, including a foot-long scar on her face. She also sustained facial fractures and brain hemorrhage. The injuries required numerous reconstructive surgeries, totaling $77,000 in medical bills.

The defendant operator fled the accident scene, but was soon apprehended by campus police. He later pled guilty to driving while intoxicated (DWI), leaving the scene of an accident, and reckless driving. The defendant resided with his parents at the time of the accident. He held an underlying motor vehicle liability policy of $250,000 on the vehicle and $5 million homeowner's umbrella policy. After mediation, the case ultimately settled for $3.25 million paid by the umbrella carrier.

Hit-and-run pedestrian accidents are unfortunately all too common in Massachusetts. Earlier this month, a 6-year-old boy sustained serious injuries after being struck by a car on Delhi Street, near the Walker Playground, in Mattapan. He was treated at Boston Medical Center and police are still looking for the accident vehicle.

Most pedestrian accidents are the result of a motorist's negligence. Such negligence can take the form of operating under the influence, failing to abide by traffic laws and road signs, texting while driving, speeding, running red lights or stop signs, failing to stop at a crosswalk, or simply not paying adequate attention to the road. Sadly, insurance companies may attempt to fault the pedestrian to avoid payment. Consequently, a claim's success often hinges on a swift and thorough investigation of the motorist. As such, victims of a pedestrian accident or their family should seek legal representation as soon as possible.


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April 14, 2011

Massachusetts North Shore Massachusetts Communities Invest in Pedestrian-Friendly Parks & Passageways

This spring, numerous Massachusetts North Shore communities have launched projects to create more pedestrian-friendly areas. In Gloucester, Massachusetts, a $500,000 Seaport Advisory Grant has been used to finance new "HarborWalk" signs and other features to make walking the harbor's edge safer and more enjoyable. In Danvers Center, pedestrians are enjoying new bridge decking over the Ipswich River, stabilizing and beautifying a 7-mile trail to Topsfield, Massachusetts. According to the Boston Globe, David Read, chairman of the Border to Boston Trail Coalition told the Boston Globe that "people are starting to use the trail now to walk their dogs and walk to school." Recently, the Trail Commission has starting working to connect trails from New Hampshire all the way to Boston. Read notes that "it's going to significantly enhance walking in our communities." Further, the Trail Commission argues that a safe walking path through North Shore communities like Lynn, Saugus, and Revere would help bring more business to coastal industries.

Other projects are still in the planning stages, but slowly, progress is being made towards making Greater Boston cities and towns more walkable. Medford, Massachusetts residents have been pushing for a new Green Line T-station, in an effort to encourage less vehicular traffic. Residents have also vied for more crosswalks, longer crossing times at traffic lights, and a "Minuteman Bikeway" extension project that will extend the trail to Medford. In nearby Salem, Massachusetts, proposals to open the foot-traffic friendly Essex Street pedestrian mall to through traffic are being heard. Supporters argue that this would allow for better management of delivery vehicles, which often compete for space with walkers.

In all, it is a positive sign for pedestrians in the Boston area that local cities and towns have focused on creating safer and more enjoyable walking paths. As the weather continues to warm and more people hit the streets on foot, these initiatives are both timely and welcomed. Additionally, these efforts should result in less pedestrian accidents, which occur at a higher than desired frequency, especially in the spring and summer months.


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March 16, 2011

Pedestrian Accidents in Quincy, Massachusetts from Solar Glare

A string of pedestrian accidents in Quincy, Massachusetts has prompted the city's traffic engineer to push for "solar glare" warning signs at a hazardous Quincy Point intersection. Police Captain John Dougan recently noted in The Patriot Ledger that several automobile accidents at Washington & Elm Streets were caused by drivers blinded by the sun. In the most recent, a 34-year-old Quincy woman was struck by a vehicle in a crosswalk at the intersection on March 15. The driver, a 34-year-old Boston man, was cited for failing to yield to a pedestrian. He informed Quincy police that he was unable to see the walker because of solar glare. Fortunately, the woman sustained non-life-threating injuries and was treated at Quincy Medical Center. Other pedestrians struck at the intersection have not been so lucky.

Last September, a 67-year-old Quincy man was struck and killed by a motorist when crossing between Washington & Elm on foot. The driver, a 46-year-old Quincy man, was charged with motor vehicle homicide and is awaiting trial.

Quincy officials are working to create safer passageways for pedestrians. While new signage warning motorists of solar glare would be a welcome addition to Quincy streets, solar glare does not justify car accidents caused by negligence.


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February 1, 2011

Walking safely around Massachusetts in the snow


Personal injury in Massachusetts is hard to avoid this winter due to all the snowstorms. Sidewalks and walkways are filled with snow and drifts, hiding the ice underneath. Although children and elderly are most likely to slip and fall, walking on ice and snow can be treacherous to anyone. Below are some tips on how to walk safely through the ice and snow.

Tip #1- Wear Shoes and Boots That Are Appropriate for the Winter Weather

Warm, waterproof shoes and boots with non-slip soles are the safest footwear.

Tip #2- When You Can't Walk on City Sidewalks...

Sidewalks are the safest places to walk. Sometimes, they are covered with snow making them impassable. If you're forced to walk in the street, stay as close to the curb as possible. Walk against the traffic and watch out for motorists.

Tip #3- Wear Reflective or Bright-Colored Clothing

Avoid wearing dark clothing, rather choose reflective or bright-colored clothing so motorists can clearly see you.

Tip #4- Use the Crosswalks at Street Intersections

When it's snowy and icy outside, roads and sidewalks often become slippery. If there are any places to walk that may be clear and safer, it will be on crosswalks at intersections. Before stepping out into the street, wait and make sure the traffic has stopped first so a sliding vehicle does not hit you.

Tip #5- Take Your Time and Take Smaller, Slower Steps

Take your time to reach your destination. Take smaller steps than normal, and watch for black ice, even if your path appears to be clear.

Tip #6- Walk Outside During the Daytime Hours

Walk outside during the daytime. In the wintertime, it is more difficult for motorists to see you.

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August 13, 2010

Massachusetts Pedestrian killed by MBTA van

In Massachusetts on Monday, August 9, 2010, a pedestrian was hit and killed by a van in Norwood. The 51-year-old man was hit on Dean Street near the intersection of Washington Street at around 2:30 p.m.

Witnesses said he was hit by a van owned by the MBTA known as "The Ride", which take individuals to different MBTA stops. However, this particular van was operated by a private contractor. The 51-year-old victim was rushed to nearby Norwood Hospital, where he died.

Apparently, the van was just making the turn when the pedestrian stepped off the curb and collided with the van. The van was towed away, and the street has been reopened.

It is not yet known if any charges will be pressed against the driver of that van. Police are investigating the incident. The area is busy and congested, with two-way traffic, narrow streets, and a lot of pedestrians that need to cross.

It will be interesting to learn the outcome of the investigation which will likely rest on the attentiveness of the operator of the van.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Information Statistics, Massachusetts ranked 25th in overall pedestrian deaths according to FARS. Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS)

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April 27, 2010

Dorchester hero saves toddler in the South End of Boston

According to the Boston Herald, a Dorchester woman who averted a Boston accident is being hailed a hero after she ran into traffic to save a 2-year-old child from personal injury who had wandered into a South End street. Apparently the toddler walked along Columbus Avenue for about a third of a mile at 5:30 p.m. She was following her 11-year-old autistic sister. Her sister was on a scooter heading to a park.

Driver Tammy Thompson spotted the little girl, as the child stepped off the curb. She parked in the middle of the street and jumped out of her car to save her. The cars coming toward her were actually swerving around the child, but no one got out to help. The toddler just kept walking. Luckily for the little girl, Thompson grabbed the child and pulled her to safety.

According to a police report, the girls wandered from their home on Warwick Street while their mother, Rory Johnson, 40, was at a funeral and their father, Lloyd Moore, slept.The state Department of Children and Families is investigating.

As there is no legal duty to come to the aid of one in need, in the wake of the recent news out of New York City where a good Samaritan was stabbed assisting a crime victim and left to die on the sidewalk, this story is heartwarming. Ms. Thompson is a local Boston hero, who no doubt prevented this little girl from becoming seriously hurt.

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