12th fatal traffic accident in NYC this year raises safety concerns among neighbors

The accident, which occurred at the corner of Coney Island Avenue and 18th Street, was the 12th fatal accident this year, according to city officials.

The busy intersection has attracted the attention of the Ministry of Transport in the past.

In 2017, the Department of Transportation added the area to its map and listed the intersection as a “bicycle priority district” because many cyclists were killed or seriously injured there.

They have approved plans to build bike lanes on surrounding streets, but not specifically at this intersection, where city data shows there were 69 injuries between 2017 and July of this year.

According to surveillance video, the scooter and the van collided while making a right turn at the intersection. Neighbors News 12 spoke with say they are horrified but not surprised.

They say that the intersection is constantly busy and that neither drivers nor cyclists respect the rules of the road. They say that many do not even know the rules.

Representatives of Transportation Alternatives are pushing for the Department of Transportation to build bike lanes right at the accident site.

The Department of Transportation told News 12 that there are additional construction plans and will review the possibility at this intersection once the other plans are completed.

One motorist News 12 spoke to said they were on the opposite side, saying bike lanes often add to congestion on the roads and don't do enough to make the construction worthwhile.

According to police, the 48-year-old truck driver was still at the scene and is being questioned.

So far, no arrests have been made and no charges have been filed against the driver.