Transportation Alternatives Statement After SUV Driver Kills Pedestrian Crossing Street in Wheelchair in Brownsville

Crashes have killed 14 pedestrians in Brooklyn this year – up 14% from the Vision Zero average.

2024 is the second deadliest year under Vision Zero so far.

BROOKLYN, NY — On Saturday evening, a SUV driver hit and killed a 63-year-old man in a wheelchair crossing New Lots Avenue and Mother Gaston Boulevard in Brownsville. 

Crashes are 36% more likely to kill a pedestrian using a wheelchair than a pedestrian that is not using one, according to research from Georgetown University. Council District 42, where this crash occurred, is the 5th deadliest council district for traffic violence.

Increasing visibility at intersections through daylighting is especially important for those who use wheelchairs.

Statement from Elizabeth Adams, Deputy Executive Director for Public Affairs at Transportation Alternatives:

“We are devastated to hear that a person using a wheelchair was killed in an act of preventable traffic violence. We send our deepest condolences to his loved ones.”

“Our leaders have the power to prevent crashes and save lives. Mayor Adams cannot fall further behind on the mandates outlined in the NYC Streets Plan to build car-free pedestrian space, protected bike lanes, and new bus lanes — all measures that are proven to prevent traffic violence. We also need City Hall to follow through on its commitment to daylight at least 1,000 intersections a year; daylighting is especially critical for protecting our smallest and most vulnerable pedestrians like children or wheelchair users.”