Statement from NYS Safe Streets Coalition After Senate Transportation Committee Advances Key Measures in the Crash Victim Rights and Safety Act, Including Sammy’s Law
Sammy’s Law Gives New York City Power to Set Lower, Safe Speed Limits
ALBANY, NY — After the New York State Senate Transportation Committee advanced Sammy’s Law which would allow New York City to set speed limits less than 25 m.p.h., and DMV pre-licensing requirements, which would educate drivers on interaction with vulnerable road users, the NYS Safe Streets Coalition released the following statement.
Statement from Amy Cohen, Families for Safe Streets Co-Founder and mother of Sammy Cohen Eckstein, who was killed by a reckless driver in Brooklyn in 2013:
“Lower speed limits save lives and Sammy’s Law will save lives in New York City. On behalf of the entire NYS Safe Streets Coalition, we thank Senator Hoylman and Senate Transportation Committee Chair Kennedy for advancing two critical pieces of the Crash Victim Rights and Safety Act passage.”
“Speeding is a major factor in about 80 percent of all fatal car crashes in New York City. Fatal crashes decrease 17 percent for every one mile-per-hour reduction in driving speed. Alongside Sammy’s Law, Albany must strengthen and expand the life-saving speed safety camera program this year.”
“2021 was the deadliest year on New York City roads since 2013. Traffic violence is a public health crisis statewide. We look forward to working with our partners in the Senate and Assembly to pass the entire Crash Victim Rights and Safety Act this year.”
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About the NYS Safe Streets Coalition: The New York State Safe Streets Coalition is comprised of dozens of organizations across NYS and is led by Families for Safe Streets, Albany Bicycle Coalition, Bike Walk Tomkins, GObike Buffalo, National Safety Council, New York Bicycling Coalition, Open Plans, Parks & Trails NY and the National Heritage Corridor, Reconnect Rochester, Rochester Bicycling Club, Slow Roll Syracuse, Transportation Alternatives, Tri-State Transportation Campaign, and Walkable Albany.
