Study Finds Many In NYC Being Hit By Cars In Crosswalk

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- New York City crosswalks are not as safe as they should be.

A study conducted by doctors from NYU Langone Medical Center found that 44 percent of pedestrians hit by cars are struck while in the crosswalk crossing with the light.

"I'm comfortable with crossing, as long as I cross on the green. It's the best way to do it -- cross on the green light," one man told 1010 WINS' Juliet Papa.

The New York Times reported that researchers studied more than 1,400 pedestrians and cyclists treated at Bellevue Hospital Center after collisions between December 2008 and June 2011.

The study also found that overweight pedestrians hit by cars suffered less serious injuries than slimmer ones.

Researchers said fat may protect against injury.

Forty percent of cyclists injured by cars in the study were hit by taxis. Among injured pedestrians, 25 percent were hit by taxis.

City officials said the report shows the need for bike lanes and pedestrian plazas.

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