Latest Method To Make Rds. Safer
Attention drivers: slow down!
New York City’s default speed limit dropped from 30 to 25 mph last Friday, Aug. 9, through legislation that Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed in the latest effort to reduce vehicular and pedestrian accidents.
“We have seen too many injuries and deaths as a result of traffic accidents, and this legislation will be yet another step in our efforts to make New York’s streets safer for all,” Cuomo said in a press release. “New York City is America’s largest and most energetic city, and its roadways must also be the safest.”
Mayor Bill de Blasio and other city officials applauded the law’s enaction last week, noting it will complement ongoing efforts in the Vision Zero street safety campaign.
“Speeding is a citywide problem, and lowering the speed limit is a citywide solution,” de Blasio said. “This is another vital step toward making New York City streets safer for every family. Our Vision Zero initiative’s mission is to save lives, and that precisely is what the legislation accomplishes.”
“We will implement the speed limit reduction in a smart and thoughtful manner as the city continues to roll out our Vision Zero efforts,” added city Transportation Commissioner Polly Trottenberg.
Cuomo pointed out that 4,000 people seriously injured-and more than 250 die-in vehicular accidents across the five boroughs every year. Reportedly, pedestrians in New York “are killed at a higher rate than the national average,” according to a press release.
The default speed limit is in effect on any roadway where speed limit signs are not otherwise posted. New York City does not have home rule on regulating its speed limit, so any proposed changes must be approved by the state legislature and governor.
Speeding tickets range from $45 to $600 and points on licenses, depending on the violating vehicle’s speed as determined by police.
