Crash Kills 99-Year-Old Pedestrian in the Bronx

50 percent increase in traffic deaths in the Bronx over 2021

This year, 25 seniors aged 65 and older have been killed in New York City —  two of them 99-years-old and five of them in the Bronx.

BRONX, NY — On Wednesday morning, 99-year-old Bernice Schwartz was struck and killed by the driver of a Mazda SUV at W. 235 Street and Oxford Avenue in Riverdale, Bronx.

Traffic deaths are spiking in the Bronx. This crash comes days after Transportation Alternatives and Families for Safe Streets released new data showing fatalities in the Bronx are at their highest levels since Vision Zero began in 2014. Crashes have killed 144 people citywide so far in 2022 — just shy of this point in 2021, which was the deadliest year under Vision Zero.

Bernice was not the only 99-year-old who was denied their 100th birthday: in February 2022, Holocaust survivor Jack Mikulincer was on his way to synagogue in an electric wheelchair when an SUV driver ran over and killed him in Brooklyn.

Statement from Transportation Alternatives Executive Director Danny Harris:

“We are heartbroken and outraged that 99-year-old Bernice Schwartz was struck and killed by a driver in the Bronx. We offer our deepest condolences to Bernice’s loved ones.”

“Traffic violence is a public safety crisis, and the Bronx is bearing the brunt. All New Yorkers — especially our most vulnerable — deserve safe streets, free from the threat of death or serious injury from drivers. Mayor Adams and DOT must take immediate action to expand investments in safe crossings, physical infrastructure that increases visibility and slows down drivers, and car-free streets. These investments must prioritize areas, like the Bronx, most at risk of traffic violence, and fast-track NYC DOT's 17-step action plan to address senior pedestrian safety.” 

Statement from Families for Safe Streets Member Irma Rosenblatt:

“Eight years ago my 88-year-old mother Ida was killed by a speeding SUV driver making a left turn in Riverdale. It is heartbreaking and appalling that eight years later, seniors are still being killed on dangerous streets in Riverdale and across New York City.”

“We cannot afford to wait any longer. We need action today from Mayor Adams, DOT, and our local elected officials in Riverdale to protect all New Yorkers, especially our most vulnerable neighbors. We know how to prevent the horrors of traffic violence. 

“How many more seniors have to die? Our leaders must have the courage to act now.”

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