Attorney Says Philadelphia Needs More Pedestrian Safety Measures

    PHILADELPHIA, PA, July 15, 2017 /24-7PressRelease/ -- A nationwide increase in the number of pedestrian fatalities is prompting communities across the United States to better protect pedestrians. Steven Wigrizer, attorney and partner at Wapner, Newman, Wigrizer, Brecher & Miller, says that Philadelphia has a long way to go to protect those traveling by foot.

"In 2016, there was an 11 percent increase in pedestrian fatalities in the United States," said Steven Wigrizer. "Meanwhile, Pennsylvania saw a 30 percent increase. Those statistics should prompt us to ask how we could improve pedestrian safety."

Philadelphia officials recently passed a resolution to hold public hearings on Vision Zero, a proposal to eliminate traffic fatalities, after the death of a local transportation advocate, Peter Javsicas.

Wigrizer said that Vision Zero is a step in the right direction, but the proposed budget should be bigger and the initiatives should be implemented sooner. There are several areas where Philadelphia sidewalks could be improved, especially around schools, construction zones and in the city's impoverished neighborhoods, he said.

"Philadelphians deserve to feel safe when walking our streets," Wigrizer said. "We need to spare no expense when improving our infrastructure to better accommodate pedestrians."

Wigrizer said that improvements should include better sidewalks, improved lighting and better designed roads. Studies have shown that dedicating more space on our roads for pedestrians and bikers improves safety with only marginal effects on traffic. Lowering speed limits in the city will also make the city safer for pedestrians, he said.

"These proposals are all part of Vision Zero," Wigrizer said. "But it is time to get serious about implementing these initiatives. We can't afford to wait any longer."

About Wapner Newman Wigrizer Brecher & Miller:
For over 30 years, the law firm of Wapner, Newman, Wigrizer, Brecher & Miller has been helping victims of serious personal injury and wrongful death receive the justice and compensation they deserve. We believe the personal approach is the most powerful one to pursuing any claim and we give each client our complete attention. We serve personal injury victims throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey, with offices in Philadelphia, West Conshohocken, Allentown, and Marlton. For more information or to get help with a potential claim, call 1-800-LAW-6600 (1-800-529-6600).

# # #