New Legislative Package Aims to Improve Street Safety in NYC

Despite the years that have passed, Ralph Muñoz still feels the pain of having lost his 79-year-old mother, who was run over in December 2008. Five years later, his brother Michael was also killed by a car in the streets of NYC.

“It’s very difficult, because I’m never going to see them again, I have the memories that I always keep with them, but that time of death is very sad, they didn’t have a chance… they died at that time,” Muñoz said.

Like their loved ones, statistics show that every year hundreds of people are killed by vehicles. Last year 16 children lost their lives in being hit by cars, including 5-year-old Jonathan Martinez, who was struck and killed in East Elmhurst. Queens.

Likewise, 17 cyclists died when they were hit by vehicles in the streets of the city.

“The fact that we have family members of victims who have lost more than one loved one is inconceivable. It is totally preventable and the city must do more to fix this crisis,” said Elizabeth Adams of Transportation Alternatives.

Rightly familiar with those who have lost their lives hit by vehicles on the streets of the city, they are part of the analysis of a legislative package that includes redesigning no less than 100 streets identified as dangerous each year.

In addition to requiring the installation of rest islands in very wide avenues and streets, which become a trap for older adults who cannot cross them. The islands serve so that they can rest and be in a safe area.

“The legislative package also requires city traffic specialists to expedite the time they take to review vehicle accidents or crashes that have resulted in pedestrian deaths or injuries,” said Jumaane Williams, the public defender. .

The regulations also include the safety of cyclists on the streets and how to prevent them from being part of the deadly statistics when hit by cars or trucks.

“People calm down when they are driving, we all have a lot on our minds, but when we are driving we have to think about driving carefully,” Muñoz added.

In total, 255 people lost their lives in 2022, for this reason it is extremely important that this legislative package be approved.