Speed bumps to combat drag racing

It may seem cool when Vin Diesel or Paul Walker do it on the big screen, but local politicians and even the Department of Transportation (DOT) are trying to literally put the brakes on drag racing.
On Tuesday, May 10, Councilmembers Jimmy Van Bramer and Elizabeth Crowley, the DOT and local leaders unveiled three new speed bumps to combat drag racing on Maurice Avenue in Maspeth.
Those in the area say Maurice Avenue had become a raceway site for illegal drag racing in the neighborhood, causing many to complain about the quality of life and worry about the safety of their community.
“Illegal drag racing is a dangerous activity that claims far too many lives each year,” said Van Bramer.
Last November, he, community leaders and concerned residents held a rally calling for action to be taken to combat drag racing in Maspeth – prompting a DOT review and implementation of the speed reducers on the roadway.
“Traffic fatalities have reached an all-time low in the last four years, but speeding drivers remain a danger to themselves and to all New Yorkers,” said DOT Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan. “By making changes to our streets like these new speed humps, we can further reduce the number of fatalities each year, and Maurice Avenue residents can be safer on their own street.”
The street deterrents come at a cost of $20,000 – well worth it, say officials.
“My committee has made a priority of addressing speedways and sending a message to drivers in all five boroughs that everyone needs to take a deep breath and slow down. Whether it’s a stop sign or a speed hump or a complete road redesign, we need to use every tool in the toolkit to make our streets safe for pedestrians and for motorists. I am proud to join Councilmember Van Bramer and DOT Commissioner Sadik-Khan today to help make the streets of Queens a little safer,” said Councilmember James Vacca of the Bronx, who is Chair of the Committee on Transportation.