Transportation Chair Brooks-Powers, Advocates Commit to End Senseless Deaths on NYC Streets After Recent Crashes Kill and Injure Children
Fatalities Up 63 Percent Compared To This Point Last Year
Action needed to save lives, including urgent investments in Vision Zero and Albany passage of Crash Victim Rights and Safety Act
NEW YORK — On Wednesday, an out-of-control driver killed 10-year-old Davina Afokoba in Far Rockaway, Queens, and a turning driver critically injured 5-year-old Yaakov Ben Tamar Malka in Midwood, Brooklyn, adding to an already violent week for traffic violence.
At least 26 people have been killed in traffic crashes, a 63 percent increase compared to this point in 2021. Of those, five were 18 or younger. In New York City, car crashes remain the leading cause of injurious death for our children.
Statement from City Council Majority Whip Selvena Brooks-Powers, Chair of Transportation and Infrastructure Committee:
“My heart sank when I received the news of Davina Afokoba’s death last night,” said Majority Whip Brooks-Powers. “I have met with her family, who are completely devastated by this loss. I am keeping them in my thoughts and prayers. One traffic death is one death too many. District 31 had 11 traffic fatalities in 2021, more than any other Council district. These senseless deaths are the result of years of underinvestment and neglect of our public space.
“As Chair of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, I am making it my top priority to visit each of my colleagues’ districts over the coming weeks. We will continue to meet with key stakeholders to identify the key transportation issues facing every neighborhood, and begin working to create a New York City where these deaths do not happen. I am looking forward to working with Mayor Adams’ administration to address transportation inequities and ensure safer streets for our families and communities.”
Statement from Transportation Alternatives Executive Director Danny Harris:
“Our children deserve better. Our children deserve to cross the street without fear, and to walk on the sidewalk without worry. Our hearts go out to the families of 10-year-old Davina Afokoba and Yaakov Ben Tamar Malka, and the others who were killed and injured by cars on unsafe roads this week.”
“We must implement proven solutions that will slow drivers down and make our roads safe. In New York City, Mayor Adams and the City Council must work together to expand Vision Zero, fast track Commissioner Rodriguez’s commitments to redesign 1,000 intersections for safety, and redesign dangerous roads. Every New Yorker deserves the benefits of safe streets in their neighborhood that NYC 25x25 would bring by reclaiming space from cars.”
“This work must start without delay. We need to be traveling with our leaders from groundbreaking-to-groundbreaking instead of vigil-to-vigil.”
Statement from Families for Safe Streets Member Fabiola Mendieta-Cuapio, mother of Bryan, killed at age five by a reckless driver:
“I am heartbroken and I am angry. Too many kids are dying senselessly or fighting for their lives because of crashes, including 5-year old Yaakov who is the same age as my son Bryan. Parents should not have to fear for their children’s lives just because they’re walking outside. Our children should be able to focus on play, on school, on growing up, not whether the driver of a multi-ton SUV is paying attention to the road in front of them. On behalf of Families for Safe Streets, we send our deepest condolences to the families of Davina Afokaba and Yaakov Ben Tamar Malka. We know this pain all too well and not one more family should have to endure it.
“Families for Safe Streets is not just heartbroken, we are outraged by the increase in traffic violence in 2022. The 56 percent increase in fatalities compared to this point last year shows how much work must be done to get Vision Zero back on track. We need urgent investments by City Hall to stop the spike in traffic violence.”
“As proud members of the NYS Safe Streets Coalition, we call on Albany to advance Home Rule for New York City, to pass the full Crash Victim Rights and Safety Act this year and strengthen the city’s school zone speed safety camera program. We know what works to curb reckless driving and build safe streets, it’s up to our leaders to take the necessary steps.”
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