Confusion over rerouting of Midtown traffic may cause car, pedestrian accidents, cautions personal injury lawyer Steven J. Schwartzapfel.

New York, New York, May 30, 2009 -- New York personal injury lawyer Steven J. Schwartzapfel is urging motorists to use extra caution when driving in the Midtown Manhattan area this summer.

Beginning Memorial Day weekend and continuing through September, Broadway has been closed to vehicles while traffic lanes are redesigned in an attempt to ease congestion at Times and Herald Squares.

The Green Light for Midtown project, sponsored by Mayor Michael Bloomberg and New York City Department of Transportation Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan, has closed Broadway to vehicles from 47th to 42nd Streets and 35th to 33rd Streets, turning those areas into pedestrian plazas. It is hoped that this will add to Midtown Manhattan's economic and cultural vitality while reducing the area's chronic traffic congestion.

"While the Green Light for Midtown project is well-intentioned, I am concerned it is going to actually cause more traffic problems for vehicles and pedestrians alike," Schwartzapfel said. He is a founding member of Schwartzapfel Truhowsky Marcus P.C., a leading NY personal injury law firm.

As the city returned to work after the Memorial Day weekend, New York newspapers reported on disgruntled drivers and cab operators, with rerouted traffic at a virtual standstill on some streets.

"These types of frustrating delays often lead drivers to speed through red lights and pedestrians to cross against lights, which will end up causing more accidents and injuries," Schwartzapfel said.

Also of concern, Schwartzapfel said, is that emergency vehicle drivers were confused as to what procedures to follow for calls in the new pedestrian areas.

"Without an effective plan for emergency vehicles, we could be looking at a real mess," he said.

The mayor has been commended by many for his innovative thinking, but he has also drawn criticism for the complexity of the plan. The Broadway district is serving as the pilot for the program, which will be evaluated for continued funding based on the success or failure in that area.

About Schwartzapfel Truhowsky Marcus P.C.

Steven J. Schwartzapfel is the founding member of Schwartzapfel Truhowsky Marcus P.C., one of the most prominent and well-respected plaintiff's personal injury law firms in New York. With over 150 years of combined experience and highly competent co-counsel throughout the country, the attorneys at Schwartzapfel Partners believe in protecting the rights of those who aren't able to do so for themselves.

If you've been injured in a car, pedestrian or other personal injury accident, or have a pressing legal concern, call 800-966-4999, or contact the firm through its free Case Evaluation form.

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