NYPD Implements Sammy's Law, Lowering Speed Limits in NYC to Enhance Pedestrian Safety

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The new legislation known as Sammy's Law will see drivers adjusting to lower speed limits in New York City this week. Named after 12-year-old Sammy Cohen Eckstein, who tragically lost his life in a traffic accident in 2013, the law empowers the city to set speed limits as low as 20 mph on specific streets and 10 mph on streets undergoing safety enhancements.

The initial street to adopt the new speed limit will be Prospect Park West, where the incident involving Eckstein occurred. An unveiling ceremony for the new sign is scheduled for Wednesday in honor of the law. Additionally, plans are in place to introduce 20 mph speed limits on Audubon Ave. in Washington Heights and create a "regional slow zone" encompassing Lower Manhattan streets below Canal St.

With intentions to expand speed limit reductions across all boroughs, the Department of Transportation aims to enact similar measures on 60 more routes by year-end. City officials underscore the importance of these adjustments in promoting safer streets for everyone, highlighting the significant impact speed can have on preventing fatal accidents. The implementation of Sammy's Law represents a crucial step toward prioritizing pedestrian safety in New York City. By lowering speed limits and strategically identifying high-risk areas, the city is proactively combating the prevalence of traffic-related accidents and fatalities. Through commemorating Sammy Cohen Eckstein's memory and emphasizing the human cost of reckless driving, this legislation serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of responsible and cautious driving behavior.

As the city prepares to expand these speed limit reductions to additional routes, the Department of Transportation's commitment to fostering safer streets is commendable. By addressing the role speed plays in the likelihood of accidents, New York City is setting a precedent for other urban areas to prioritize pedestrian safety and reduce vehicular-related risks. The ongoing efforts to create a culture of safer driving underscore the collective responsibility we all share in ensuring the well-being of all road users.

Source:

https://gothamist.com/news/nycs-lower-speed-limits-take-effect-in-some-areas-after-passage-of-sammys-law