New York City has had an alarming increase in its motor collision fatality rate this year. According to a recent study, 2022 had the deadliest beginning of any year since the launch of NYC’s 2014 Vision Zero program. However, NYC is taking steps to address this issue. In June, Governor Hochul signed a law that expanded the city’s use of its school zone speed cameras. Then, in August, NYC officials announced their intent to implement new technology to reduce speeds.
The City is Implementing a New Speed Control Program
In August, New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) Commissioner Dawn M. Pinnock announced that the city will be implementing “active, intelligent speed assistance (ISA) technology in 50 city fleet vehicles as part of a new pilot program to reduce speed limits and save lives.”
According to a recent report, ISA technology has the capacity to restrict a vehicle’s maximum speed. Thereby preventing motor vehicles from exceeding local speed limits. In addition, the city’s pilot program is being launched to “regulate and standardize safe driving among city employees.”
Mayor Adams commented on the ISA program stating, “Speeding ruins lives, so we must take action to prevent it, and New York City is leading by example by implementing new technology to reduce speeds on city fleet vehicles.” He also related that the technology would help ensure that city vehicles cannot speed and that traffic safety is a priority. The program is the first of its kind in the United States.
City and Community Leaders Support Program
First Deputy Mayor Lorraine Grillo stated that “the city is taking proactive steps to curb deadly speeding” and that the pilot program should be a model for other communities on how to use technology to create safer street conditions. NYC DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez also expressed support for the program.
Leah Shahum, founder and director of the Vision Zero Network, commented, “This is a critical example of how to advance Vision Zero, and we commend New York City’s leadership.” She also said, “Managing speeds is core to improving roadway safety, especially for those walking and biking, and this technology helps embed safe speeds in a fundamental, life-saving way.”
The ISA system has two modes—active and passive. The active system will automatically slow vehicles that attempt to exceed the speed limit. The passive system will notify drivers who are driving above the speed limit. The system will be installed “starting with vehicles from DCAS, DOC, BIC, NYC Parks, the New York City Department of Transportation, the New York City Department of Environmental Protection, and the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission.”
The ISA Program Will be Monitored for Six Months
The ISA program will be monitored for the next six months. After the pilot period, DCAS will work with the U.S. Department of Transportation Volpe Center, a national research organization, to report the program’s results. The next steps will be determined based on a full assessment of the pilot program. New York City operates the largest municipal fleet in the U.S. If the pilot is successful, the city plans to expand ISA use to its entire 30,000-vehicle fleet.
In addition to the ISA program, DCAS has implemented numerous other safety measures as part of Vision Zero. Other efforts include “the city’s fleet first CRASH management system, the nation’s largest rollout of live vehicle tracking devices managed through the city’s Fleet Office of Real-Time Tracking, the nation’s leading program of truck safety guards, barring hands-free phone use by fleet operators and providing safety training to over 76,000 city employees.”
According to a recent report, The European Union is scheduled to begin mandating the ISA feature for all new vehicles in 2024. However, U.S. vehicle manufacturers have been reluctant to implement this type of speed limitation.
Contact an Experienced Car Accident Attorney
Motor Vehicles accidents can have significant consequences for injured people and their loved ones. If you or a loved one have been harmed in an auto accident, you should schedule a free consultation with the experienced attorneys at Bonina & Bonina, P.C. Call us at 1888-MEDLAW1 or contact us online for a free consultation. We have experience helping clients with car accident personal injury cases, and we can explain your options and help you decide what actions you should take. At Bonina & Bonina, P.C., we come to work daily believing there should be equal justice for all. Se Habla Espaňol. Home and hospital visits are available.