Safe Streets Hunger Strikers Demand Speaker Heastie Call Vote on Sammy’s Law After Speeding Driver Kills Pedestrian in Midwood

Milorad Rajacic is the 98th person killed by traffic violence in New York City in 2023.

11 more people have been killed this year than the average under Vision Zero.

Sammy’s Law would give New York City local control of speed limits. Despite support from a majority of NYC assembly members, the governor, and the mayor, Speaker Heastie refuses to call the bill for a vote. He refuses to explain why.

BROOKLYN, NY — On Wednesday night, a speeding driver hit and killed a 76-year-old Milorad Rajacic on Ocean Parkway in Midwood. Ocean Parkway is one of the most dangerous streets in Brooklyn, and a Vision Zero Priority Corridor. Milorad is the 14th person to be killed on Ocean Parkway since the start of Vision Zero — more than one a year on average.

The speed limit on Ocean Parkway is currently 25 mph, the lowest allowed by current law. A bill before the New York State Assembly – Sammy’s Law, which would allow New York City to set its own speed limits – could have prevented this fatality, however Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie is refusing to bring the bill for a vote. Sammy’s Law has already passed the State Senate with overwhelming support. Sammy’s Law is being championed by the mayor, the governor, and a supermajority of City Council members. Members of Families for Safe Streets are currently on hour 50 of a hunger strike to demand Speaker Heastie call the vote. Speaker Heastie has yet to explain his refusal.

Researchers found that in other cities that reduced speed limits, the drivers who sped most often prior to the change slowed down the most after. After both Boston and Portland lowered their speed limits, drivers generally traveled at safer speeds, but those who regularly drove over 35 mph reduced their speeds by the greatest margin. When Portland lowered their speed limit from 25 mph to 20 mph, there was a 26% reduction in drivers traveling between 30-35 mph, and a 47% reduction in drivers traveling faster than 35 mph.

Speeding is a factor in four out of every five crashes that kill people in cars in New York City, and speeding drivers kill more New Yorkers than distracted and drunk drivers combined. 

Statement from Fabiola Mendieta-Cuapio, a member of Families for Safe Streets currently on hunger strike for Sammy’s Law: 

“I am horrified to learn that a speeding driver has killed another New Yorker. There’s an epidemic on our streets – and one that Speaker Heastie is allowing to go unchecked and ungoverned. Sammy’s Law could have prevented this tragedy. If this session closes without a vote, there will be blood on the Assembly’s hands when a speeding driver kills again.” 

Statement from Transportation Alternatives Executive Director Danny Harris:

"We are heartbroken and angry to learn that we’ve lost another New Yorker to traffic violence. Milorad Rajacic was just trying to cross the street when he was killed.”

“These deaths are especially heartbreaking because they’re preventable. Our leaders can make choices today that will save lives, but instead they’re neglecting key legislation to protect every New Yorker: Sammy’s Law. Sammy’s Law can and will save lives in all five boroughs, but Speaker Heastie continues to wait out the clock instead of calling the vote.”

“The best time to pass Sammy’s Law was well before Milorad Rajacic crossed the street last night. The second best time is now, before more of our most vulnerable neighbors are killed. No one else has to die. Speaker Heastie, call the vote.”