Road Construction Ahead: Street Safety Program for New York City

One every 30 hours – that was the death rate from traffic accidents in New York City in 2013. 

Twelve-years-old Sammy Cohen Eckstein waited outside his building for a friend on Prospect Park West at Third Street in October, 2013. Wearing cleats and dribbling a soccer ball, the young man is believed to have followed the ball into the street. He slipped in front of a van and was killed. 

One every 30 hours. 

In 2012, there were 135 pedestrians, 17 bicyclists and more than 80 motorists killed in New York City. In February of 2014, Mayor Bill de Blasio launched Vision Zero, an ambitious plan to reduce and prevent traffic fatalities in New York City. 

As injury attorneys in the city, we work daily with victims of preventable accidents. Vision Zero is an integrated strategy intended to enforce existing law, create new regulations, make use of technology and redesign dangerous roadways. Some of the details include: 

• Technology: Speed and red-light cameras deter motorists from dangerous decisions to exceed the speed limit and push intersection time. Approximately 4,000 speeding tickets were issued between January and February of this year. Legislation is required to expand this program.
• Speed limits: Aiming to slow traffic and reduce fatalities, Mayor de Blasio would like to see the New York City speed limit lowered to 25 from 30 miles per hour.
• Taxi service: The program seeks to increase enforcement efforts and penalties for taxi drivers who fail to drive safely. 

The safe use of roadways by pedestrians, motorists and others in New York City is essential. Even incremental success through the Vision Zero program means less death in a city known for its vibrant life. 

One every 30 hours. 

When you have questions about pedestrian or other accidents in the city, talk to an experienced injury attorney.