Dangerous Intersections for Seniors

the department of transportation released a list of 50 intersections with the most accidents involving senior pedestrians. five upper west side blocks were included on the list, with west 66th street and amsterdam avenue taking the top spot in the neighborhood. that intersection saw seven accidents that resulted in injuries between 2004 and 2008.

an intersection in brooklyn's bensonhurst neighborhood had the highest in the city, with nine accidents, all with injured victims.

senior pedestrian accidents are mostly caused by insufficient crossing time and cars failing to yield when making turns.

other west side intersections that made the list include west 96th street and columbus avenue, west 66th street and broadway, west 66th street and columbus avenue, and west 73rd street and amsterdam avenue.

"traffic fatalities reached a historic low last year, but we will continue to do everything we can to tailor our streets to protect our most vulnerable populations," said janette sadik-khan, commissioner of the department of transportation, in a statement.

the department's safe streets for seniors initiative for the upper west side was presented at community board 7's april 13 meeting. the program is studying possible locations for pedestrian islands, more time to cross the street and curb extensions.