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Accidents involving pedestrians continue to increase

After a sharp decline in motor vehicle accidents involving pedestrians from 2013 to 2014, pedestrian accidents increased for three consecutive years on Staten Island, according to data from the New York state Traffic Safety Statistical Repository (TSSR).

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Nearly 400 pedestrians struck in 2017

Number of pedestrian accidents in Staten Island according to TSSR data:

2013: 426

2014: 358

2015: 287

2016: 369

2017: 396

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So far this year

According to Advance records, there have been eight serious accidents involving pedestrians so far this year.

- On January 9, a 36-year-old pedestrian was stuck while crossing Castleton Avenue in West Brighton.

- On April 13, a pedestrian was stuck at the intersection of Broadway Avenue and Richmond Terrace.

- A pedestrian was stuck on Van Riper Street in Graniteville on April 23.

- A pedestrian suffered non-life-threatening injuries after being struck on Castleton Avenue in West Brighton on May 12.

- On May 13, two pedestrians were stuck on Van Pelt Avenue in Mariners Harbor.

- A pedestrian was struck at Post and Decker avenues in Port Richmond on May 23.

- A 59-year-old man was struck in the crosswalk at Goethals Road North and Richmond Avenue in Graniteville on May 24.

- Felix Castillo, 30, was involved in a hit-and-run accident while trying to enter his parked car on May 26 at the intersection of Forest and Bement avenues in West Brighton.

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Pedestrians have 'rules of the road,' too

Just like motorists have rules they must follow when behind the wheel, pedestrians have rules that they must follow to ensure safety.

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Do pedestrians have the right-of-way at a crosswalk?

When a traffic control device is not in place or not operating properly, vehicles must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians, according to the New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law.

The only exception to this rule is if there is a pedestrian tunnel or overpass -- then, the driver has the right-of-way.

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Improper crossing at a crosswalk

The law states that "no pedestrian shall suddenly leave a curb or place of safety and walk or run into the path of a vehicle which is so close that it is impractical for the driver to yield."

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Crossing the street when there is no visible crosswalk

If you're trying to cross the street at any point other than the crosswalk, you must yield to all vehicles -- they have the right-of-way.

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Trying to cross the road diagonally? Don't

"No pedestrian shall cross a roadway intersection diagonally unless authorized by official traffic-control devices; and, when authorized to cross diagonally, pedestrians shall cross only in accordance with the official traffic control devices pertaining to such crossing movements," the law states.

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Can pedestrians walk on the road?

Pedestrians are permitted to walk on the roadway only if there is no sidewalk. When walking on the road, pedestrians must walk facing traffic and as far left as possible.

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Waiting for a ride? You must wait on the sidewalk

The law states that pedestrians should not stand in the street for the purpose of soliciting a ride -- whether waiting for a bus, cab or other vehicle.

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Sorry, you can't hold a parking spot

Pedestrians are not permitted to "stand on or in proximity to a street or highway for the purpose of soliciting the watching or guarding of any vehicle while parked or about to be parked on a street or highway."

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Tips for pedestrians

The New York state Governor's Traffic Safety Committee offers the following tips for pedestrians:

- Always cross at a crosswalk or corner.

- Look behind you to check for vehicles before crossing the street.

- Always walk on the sidewalk.

- Make sure vehicles can see you.

- Obey all traffic signs and signals.