A 77-year-old man died overnight after attempting to cross the FDR Drive on Manhattan’s east side, according to police. He was struck by two vehicles and rushed to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead, based on the initial police account. Emergency crews and detectives responded as authorities opened an investigation into the collision.
What police say
As reported by CBS News New York, police say the 77-year-old was hit by two cars while trying to cross the FDR Drive and was taken to a hospital. The station’s brief report did not identify the victim or specify an exact block. That short initial account reflects the limited public details released so far.
FDR Drive's safety record
The FDR Drive is a high-volume, limited-shoulder east-side highway that has seen repeated serious crashes and fatalities in recent years. CrashCount NYC, which compiles NYPD collision records and city open data, highlights the FDR as a corridor with recurring deadly incidents and frequent injury crashes. Safety advocates and analysts say a mix of higher speeds, tight margins and minimal pedestrian infrastructure makes the roadway especially hazardous for anyone attempting to cross mid-block.
Seniors at higher risk
A New York City Department of Transportation study on senior pedestrian safety finds that older New Yorkers are disproportionately affected by traffic deaths. Seniors make up under 15% of the city’s population but account for roughly 45% of pedestrian fatalities, the report notes. The DOT analysis recommends targeted engineering fixes, including pedestrian refuge islands, extended crossing times and turn-calming measures, to reduce those risks and better protect older pedestrians.
Investigation
Police did not immediately release more information in the station’s report, and early coverage has been limited to the first statements from investigators. Transportation Alternatives and other street-safety groups have long pushed for more robust crash investigations and faster street redesigns following deadly incidents on major corridors like the FDR, arguing that those steps can help prevent similar tragedies.
