By Joy Bergmann
A DHL delivery van crashed into a 36-year-old male pedestrian at West 73rd Street and Broadway around 7:15 p.m. Wednesday evening, an NYPD spokesperson told WSR. The victim suffered “head trauma” and was transported to St. Luke’s Hospital in critical condition, NYPD said.
The uniformed DHL van driver remained at the scene; he was seen being interviewed by 20th Precinct officers. The investigation is continuing, NYPD said. WSR will update this story with new information as it emerges.
UPDATE: The driver, Brendan Arzu, 27, from the Bronx was arrested and charged with vehicular assault and DWAI — driving while ability impaired, which means that although he tested below the legal definition for DWI [.08 blood alcohol], he allegedly did have alcohol in his system, NYPD told WSR on Thursday morning.
This incident came just one day after a 71-year-old bicyclist was killed by a USPS truck driver at 86th Street and Central Park West on the Upper West Side.
NYPD surveying aftermath of crash
The common thread is that the vehicles involved in these cases are operated by people whose income depends on their “efficiency.” Whether its a DHL truck or a USPS truck, or a cab, or an ebike or scooter the operators have better job security and earn more by cutting corners while driving.
We need more and better enforcement and we need to toughen penalties.
We also need laws making the operators employees and not independent contractors because that will put liability on the companies which can then tell their drivers to slow down.
That may be a factor, but apparently he had alcohol in his system.
You can say that about anybody who works. Who doesn’t want to finish their work early and remain on the clock? And if they’re not hourly/shift workers, then they get free time after finishing their work.
“Anybody who works” is not driving a motor vehicle that can kill someone.
Part of Domino’s rapid growth years ago was their 30 minute guarantee. If I recall, they had to eliminate this as it was found that delivery people were driving recklessly to get there in 30 minutes.
I agree that the companies should be held more responsible. At the same time, we need to be prepared for higher prices and slower deliveries to offset this.
Completely agree with you
More detail needed here. There seems to be no crosswalk at 73rd street. Was the pedestrian jaywalking? how fast was the truck being driven? and so on. Needs follow up.
Important Safety Message to ALL:
PLEASE look BOTH Ways and…ALWAYS with the light before stepping off that curb!!!
I live on 73rd & Bdwy – and the oncoming or turning traffic zipping down or turning onto Broadway can be very dangerous.
And don’t jaywalk or text while crossing!
Otherwise, any accident is tragically YOUR fault, not the driver.
There are clearly defined crosswalks around Verdi Square and the area was full of pedestrians when this happened. I’m surprised that only one person was hit. This is the 3rd accident within two blocks (72nd-74th on Broadway)in just matter of weeks. Maybe it’s time to get traffic cops back on the street instead of relying on security cameras ‘after-the-fact.’ I hope we’ll be getting an update about this young man’s recover soon!
Nonsense…there are 5 crosswalks at 73rd & Broadway.
Re: “how fast was the truck being driven?”
Judging by the damage to the truck caused by an ordinary human body, probably QUITE fast…ILLEGALLY fast.
Also, note the New Jersey license plate. Is DHL located in New Jersey, or is this another example of the ‘beat-NYS-fees-by-registering-vehicle-in-New Jersey?
You’re no genius Clouseau. Modern vehicles are designed with crumple zones to absorb impacts and minimize damage to the vehicle and what is struck.
I was walking by at the time of the accident. The driver was on his cell phone while he was driving it might be the reason why the driver did not see when he hit the pedestrian crossing the street.
Time is money for everyone. No excuse or explanation needed.
Let’s be a little more clear as to the meaning of DWAI. “As outlined by the New York Department of Motor Vehicles, a driver qualifies for a DWAI/Alcohol if they have more than a .05 BAC but less than a .07 BAC”.
1) How is the presence of cannabis in a person’s system tested?
2) What is the legal threshold for detemining impairment?
3) How many cyclists blowing through traffic signals have ben tested for cannabis impairment?
4) How many have been cited and/or arrested?
What does cannabis have to do with this?
YES! There have been several accidents in recent days on the UWS. I believe there is no test for marijuana in a person’s system that is used in traffic incidents. So we have no idea if the people getting struck are high or if the people driving the vehicles are high.
WSR, any update on the pedestrian that was struck? Thoughts and prayers are with him, his friends and family. Thank you.