NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio Makes Historic “Vision Zero” Announcement from Streetfilms on Vimeo.
Yesterday Bill de Blasio chose the site where Noshat Nahian, an 8 year old boy was struck by an unlicensed truck driver resulting in his death, to announce the first implementation steps of “Vision Zero” in nyc. Not far away from this location, 3 other young pedestrians died after being struck by cars this winter. Many of the families who lost a loved ones in traffic accidents were present at the event during which Bill de Blasio as well as NYC Police Commissioner Bill Bratton and incoming NYC DOT Commissioner Polly Trottenberg presented their agenda to reduce pedestrian deaths in NYC to zero.
Being struck by a vehicle is the leading cause of injury related deaths for children younger than 14 in NYC
Bill de Blasio said “There is an epidemic of traffic fatalities in the city and this can’t go on and has to change now”. He also stated that according to statistics by the Department of Health, being struck by a vehicle is the leading cause of injury related deaths for children younger than 14 in the city and the second cause of injury related deaths for senior New Yorkers.
The Mayor of New York announced yesterday that he had created inter-agency working groups to implement Vision Zero, the goal of which is to eliminate traffic deaths in 10 years. The Police Department, the Department Of Transportation, the Health Department and the Taxi and Limousine Commission will all work together to reach this goal. By February 15th, specific and concrete plans will have to be presented to the Mayor by these working groups. This plans will include:
- dedicated NYPD resources to go after drivers who are speeding and failing to yield to pedestrians
- improvement of dangerous intersections
- reducing speed limit to 20mph in dangerous areas
- creation of tougher laws to make reckless drivers who killed pedestrians accountable
Bratton: “many serious accident investigations involving serious personal injuries are not adequately investigated”
In his speech, NY Police Commissioner Bratton said that: “many serious accident investigations involving serious personal injuries are not adequately investigated” and that he is increasing the number and type of collision investigators so that all serious accidents that lead to serious personal injury and wrongful death will be properly investigated. Previously the only accidents investigated were those were the victims died or were likely to die. Bratton announced that that threshold had been expanded and that accidents where the victim is critically injured will also be fully investigated. This will result in an increase of 20% of investigated cases. In serious accidents, evidence will be gathered as soon as possible so it will not be lost.
The size of the Highway investigation unit is being increased from 180 to 270 officers who are being recruited and properly trained with a special focus on serious accident investigation.
At precinct level, laser speed measurement devices will replace old technology and traffic safety and pedestrian awareness plans will be incorporated into the mayor’s plan .
Disobying a sign or a traffic signal, improper turns, failing to yield to pedestrians, use of a cellphone or texting while driving and speeding will be strictly reinforced.