New York City taxi cab accidents are most likely to occur at night, according to a gathering of industry officials that included an award for the city’s most improved cab driver, the Wall Street Journal reported.
Authorities estimate that 1 in every 5 New York City car accidents — or about 13,000 crashes a year — involve taxi cabs. Most cab drivers make an average of more than two dozen trips during a 12-hour shift. Collectively, the industry’s 100,000 cab drivers bring in more than $1 billion a year from an estimated 400 million riders.
That means more people ride in a New York City taxi cab each year than there are residents in the United States. Dozens of complaints are filed with the Taxi and Limousine Commission every day. Several media reports over the years have estimated that about three dozen riders are killed each year and thousands more are injured in New York City taxi crashes.
While the aggressive driving and antics of cab drivers has become legendary, passengers have the right to expect safe passage. A taxi cab is no different from any other type of business. When a customer is seriously injured or killed through the negligent or reckless behavior of a business owner or employee, the victim can and should consult a New York City injury lawyer about seeking compensation for their injuries.
The industry awards ceremony was held Thursday night and featured:
-A $500 award to a driver who went three years without an accident. He said night drivers were the most aggressive and congestion often prevented drivers from traveling very fast during the day, which reduced the risks of an accident.
-A group of drivers were recognized for going four years without an accident.
-An award was given to the friendliest driver.
-And an award went to the most improved driver, who had five accidents in 2005 and 2006 but has been accident free since.
If you have been injured in a taxi cab, bus, subway or train accident in the New York City or Long Island areas, contact the Law Offices of Nicholas Rose to discuss your rights. Call 718.261.0549.
