NYC starts lowering speed limit as Sammy's Law takes effect

NEW YORK -- New York City started lowering the speed limit to 20 mph on Wednesday in part of Brooklyn, the first of what will be many places to see the change.

The corner along Prospect Park West is where 12-year-old Sammy Eckstein was killed by a car 11 years ago. His family has been advocating for Sammy's Law ever since.

Gov. Kathy Hochul signed the bill into law back in May. It allows the city to set its own speed limits below the current 25 mph.

"Every mile per hour you reduce the speed limit by crashes go down and also when someone is hit at a slower speed the chances that they survive is much much higher," said Elizabeth Adams, the co-executive director of Transportation Alternatives.

"My kids are out here on bikes all the time and it does occur to me when they cross the street that it's dangerous," Park Slope resident Tasha Kosviner said.

Sammy's family grateful to see life-saving change

Eckstein's family was on hand as the 25 mph sign was replaced with the new 20 mph speed limit . His father said he hopes it prevents other families from having to deal with a tragedy.

"It's mixed emotions. Painful beginning and painful story, but it's gratifying to finally see them reduce the speed limit here and elsewhere in the city, because lower speeds save lives. It's as simple as that," Gary Eckstein said.

"It leaves a hole in your heart," said Joan Dean, Sammy's grandmother. "I feel like if [the speed reduction] had happened 11 years ago, Sammy would still be alive."

DOT plans to lower more speed limits citywide

DOT officials said they plan to institute a Regional Slow Zone in each borough, hopefully by the end of the year.

The DOT previously announced plans to ultimately reduce speed limits at 250 locations. Officials said at the time they were targeting roads near schools and open or shared streets.

"I just want people to remember to slow down," Dean said.

See the full list of those proposed locations here.