Should NYC Lower Speed Limits Even Further

There has been a surge in reckless driving in NYC that has led to a high number of traffic fatalities. A Manhattan lawmaker now wants to give the city the power to lower speed limits below 25 miles per hour in an effort to curb serious accidents. Current law mandates that speed limits on most roads cannot go below 25 miles per hour or 15 miles per hour in school zones.

 

Reducing Reckless Driving

State Senator Brad Holyman introduced legislation that would allow the city to further lower speed limits. Holyman noted that reducing traffic speed is not only an important factor in reducing traffic fatalities but is also important for keeping bicyclists and pedestrians safe as their numbers increase. Protecting outdoor diners and shoppers is also a consideration.

The total number of miles driven decreased in 2020. However, reports of drag racing and speeding have soared. By October of 2020, the city’s speed cameras issued 3.7 million speeding tickets to drivers. This is more than double the total over the same time last year. Experts believe that these speeding drivers account for the increase in fatalities on the streets.

To combat speeding, the speed limit has been reduced on a number of major roadways throughout the city. In most cases, the speed limits were reduced from 30 miles per hour to 25 miles per hour. The new law would allow the city to go even further, setting the speed limit at whatever level officials feel is appropriate.

 

Reducing Fatalities

Will lower speed limits reduce fatalities? The numbers appear to show that there’s a chance. A 2011 study found that 30% of pedestrians struck at a speed of 25 miles per hour sustained serious injuries when compared to those who were struck at 15 miles per hour. In addition, less than 5% of pedestrians struck at 15 miles per hour died. Going a little slower can mean the difference between life and death, especially for bicyclists and pedestrians.

 

Contact a Car Accident Attorney

If you’ve been injured in a car accident, you should have an experienced attorney evaluate your case for free. At Bonina & Bonina, P.C., we have been helping New Yorkers injured in car accidents for over 50 years. Contact us online or call us at 1-888-MEDLAW1 to schedule your free consultation. Home and hospital visits are available. Se habla español.