The number of pedestrians killed in New York City last year topped more than 130 in 2011.

New statistics released from the New York Department of Transportation indicate that, of those killed in pedestrian accidents in New York City, 47 were senior citizens and three were children.

Our New York City car accident attorneys are encouraged, however, that the number of pedestrian fatalities is reportedly at its lowest ever, and further that it reflects a 31 percent reduction since 2001.

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But with so many potential hazards on New York City streets, both pedestrians and motorists must remain on guard.

The Department of Transportation reports that traffic crashes cost the city's economy an estimated $4.29 billion every year.

The main causes for pedestrian deaths were driver inattention and the pedestrian's failure to yield. The most serious New York City crashes involving pedestrians happened on major roadways, as opposed to quieter streets.

In fact, pedestrians accounted for 52 percent - more than half - of all traffic fatalities in the city. In most cases where pedestrians were killed or seriously hurt, the driver was male and the vehicle was private, as opposed to a taxi or city bus.

Manhattan, in particular, is known to be the most dangerous of all the five boroughs, with four times as many pedestrians killed there than anywhere else.

Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly said his department was committed to continuing to reduce all traffic deaths in New York City by enforcing laws regarding some of the riskiest behind-the-wheel behavior - namely, drunk driving, distracted driving, and failure to wear a seatbelt.

Based on a recent analysis of pedestrian fatalities, the transportation department has committed to improving pedestrian safety in the following ways:

--Outfitting an estimated 1,500 intersections with pedestrian countdown signals.

--Testing to see whether a 20 mph speed limit would increase pedestrian safety in local neighborhoods.

--Implementing a pilot program in Manhattan to improve visibility in left turn lanes.