Zero Vision Plan Helps Reduce NYC Traffic Deaths
Mayor Bill de Blasio’s Vision Zero Plan was put in place to reduce traffic deaths in New York City. Though some critics labeled the initiative as overly ambitious, de Blasio’s goal to eliminate all pedestrian deaths by 2024 may indeed become a reality, if recent statistics are any indication. For the first time in a century, NYC reported the lowest number of traffic-related deaths in a year, with 132 fatalities compared to 180 in 2013.
The Vision Zero plan is based off a Swedish system that views all serious traffic injuries and pedestrian deaths as entirely preventable. To achieve this lofty goal, the city is taking a multi-pronged approach to make the roads safer for cyclists, motorists and pedestrians alike. Such measures include lowering the speed limits 5 mph to just 25 mph on busy city streets, and more rigorous anti-speeding enforcement by police.
Vision Zero Plan aims to reduce NYC traffic deaths
“Even though we still have way too much preventable carnage on our streets, it’s very encouraging that we can move the needle,” Paul Steely White, an executive director of Transportation Alternatives, told the New York Times. “The mayor has made this a top priority, and I think that’s the No. 1 factor in what has led to this accomplishment.”
Under Vision Zero Plan, The City Council has passed new legislation to enhance traffic safety in the last year. Among the dozens of bills passed is Cooper’s Law – named after a young boy who was killed last January when a taxi hit him on New York’s Upper West Side. The law aims to protect victims of pedestrian knock-downs, and allows the city to revoke or suspend the license of a cab driver who negligently kills or seriously injures a pedestrian who had right of way.
The NYPD has also amped up efforts to punish reckless and dangerous drivers. 2014 saw 117,000 summonses for violations such as failing to yield to pedestrians and excessive speeding. In NYC, overall traffic deaths dropped last year to 248 from 293 in 2013. Though pedestrian deaths were down, motor vehicle fatalities stayed consistent, with 59 deaths reported in both in 2013 and 2014, according to city statistics.
Still, optimism is high among New York’s community leaders. “There is no question we are moving this city in the right direction, thanks to stepped up enforcement by the N.Y.P.D., strong traffic safety measures by the Department of Transportation, new laws passed by our legislators and the work of New Yorkers fighting for change,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio in a recent statement.
Representing residents of all NYC boroughs for nearly fifty years, New York car accident lawyers at The Sanders Firm remain hopeful that such traffic safety initiatives will continue to reduce the numbers of innocent lives lost. In the event of an injury or death caused by a negligent driver, victims do have the right to pursue compensation for all medical bills, rehabilitation, lost wages, loss of consortium, pain and emotional trauma, as well as other damages.
Advice on pursuing a pedestrian accident lawsuit in New York
If you need expert legal representation in the wake of a pedestrian accident in the greater Manhattan area, we invite you to call our offices today to schedule a free case review. A New York City pedestrian accident lawsuit may not be viable for every injured victim, but if our attorneys determine you have a valid case, we promise to fight for your rights to maximum compensation.
We recently secured a $900,000 pedestrian knock down settlement for one of our clients, and are known for our tireless advocacy. To arrange your complimentary consultation, call us at 1.800 FAIR PLAY (800.324.7752). Resources
- New York Times, New York City’s Pedestrian Fatalities Lowest on Record in 2014 https://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/02/nyregion/new-york-pedestrian-deaths-are-lowest-on-record.html?_r=2
- New York Times, De Blasio Outlines Steps to Eliminate Traffic Deaths https://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/19/nyregion/de-blasio-unveils-plans-to-eliminate-traffic-deaths.html
