Transportation Alternatives, Families for Safe Streets Statements as DOT Begins Implementation of Sammy’s Law

Sammy’s Law will finally allow New York City to set its own speed limits.

NEW YORK — Today, the New York City Department of Transportation announced that it will begin to enact Sammy’s Law and reduce speed limits on some streets.

Sammy’s Law is named for Sammy Cohen Eckstein, a 12-year-old boy killed by a speeding driver in Brooklyn in 2013 just a few blocks from his home. Since his tragic and preventable death, nearly 2,500 people, including more than 100 children, have been killed in traffic violence across New York City.

Statement from Juliane Williams, mother of Doniqueca (Niiqua) Cooke and member of Families for Safe Streets:

"We praise NYC DOT and Mayor Adams for this initial roll out of safer speed limits in our city. We also look forward to subsequent plans to expand this program where data shows it will save the most lives. These changes will prevent more injuries and death so no one will have to go through what I am going through, what Sammy’s mother is going through, and what countless other New Yorkers who have experienced injury or lost a loved one due to traffic violence are going through. We won't stop fighting until Vision Zero is a reality." 

Statement from Elizabeth Adams, Interim Co-Executive Director of Transportation Alternatives: 

“Lower speed limits save lives, and we’re thrilled to see the City of New York begin to implement Sammy’s Law. After years of hard work, Sammy’s Law is finally coming to the streets of New York City. We applaud the announcement of the Regional Slow Zones in particular, and we look forward to working with DOT to select suitable areas for slow zones in each borough.”

“Today would never have happened without the tireless advocacy of Families for Safe Streets members and every member of the coalition that fought for Sammy’s Law. We’re so grateful for the coalition’s unwavering support and unending commitment to truly safe streets.” 

“The work continues – and we look forward to a clear timeline from the City as well as a plan to expand this program to more streets. We need a data-driven, equitable approach to expansion that addresses safety on our most dangerous streets. Sammy’s Law can and will save lives across the five boroughs, and it must be implemented more widely as soon as possible.” 

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