Thousands of NYU students rely on the free shuttle services provided by the university to get to class on time, especially if their dorms are a bit further off campus. As far as safety was concerned, there had never been an issue—until recently.
On Tuesday, October 6 around 12 p.m., an NYU bus following Route F turned on 3rd Avenue and 10th and hit a female pedestrian crossing the street. The pedestrian, who appeared to be in her mid-30s, was struck to the ground and slightly run over. She later left the scene on a stretcher. Students on the bus insist that the driver attempted to justify the act, but it has been reportedly stated that the pedestrian had the right of way. Popular Facebook photo-sharing page, NYU Snaps, posted a photo (below) later that day from the incident. No formal statements have been released by the university or the NYPD regarding the pedestrian's injuries or any charge against the university and/or bus driver.
This is not the first accident reported in NYU's name. An accident in April of 2013 yielded a similar story where bus driver lost control. Reports of such accidents have students frustrated at the lack of safety on a campus they are paying a lot of money to be a part of. This event is sure to stir controversy that the university has imposed with its 2031 expansion plan in the East Village and its 1831 initiative asking current students and faculty for donations.
Our best advice is to always be cautious and careful. Anything can happen anywhere at anytime. Know your resources and take necessary precautions. Our warm thoughts extend to the pedestrian, her family, and all those affected by the accident.