Honoring the Lives Lost to Traffic Violence on World Day of Remembrance: A Call for Action in New York City

Yesterday, communities around the world gathered to observe World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims. This annual day, held on the third Sunday of November, is a time to reflect on the lives tragically lost to traffic violence and to advocate for measures that can prevent further tragedies. In New York City, the event took place in Flushing, Queens, a borough that has seen a troubling rise in fatalities, particularly among children, this year.

As attorneys representing victims of car accidents in New York, we have witnessed firsthand the devastating impact that traffic crashes have on families. Each case we handle represents a life irreparably altered — a loved one lost too soon, a child suffering life-altering injuries, or families left to navigate unimaginable grief. This is why we stand alongside the community members, advocates, and elected officials who are pushing for stronger safety measures and legislative changes to protect all New Yorkers.

A Rising Toll on Queens Streets

Flushing’s Community Board 7 has earned the unfortunate reputation of being the most dangerous district for pedestrians in Queens over the past decade. This year alone, Queens has already lost five children to traffic violence — the highest number recorded at this point in nearly a decade. Citywide, fifteen children have been killed in traffic crashes so far in 2024, far exceeding the average for the past ten years.

Yesterday’s event began with a press conference at the site where three-year-old Allison Liao was tragically killed in 2013. Families who have lost loved ones to traffic crashes gathered alongside advocates from Transportation Alternatives and Families for Safe Streets, as well as elected officials including Assembly Members Nily Rozic, Ron Kim, Zohran Mamdani, Senator John Liu, and Councilmembers Gale Brewer and Tiffany Caban. The gathering served not only to honor the memories of those lost but also to demand urgent action to prevent further tragedies.

Legislative Solutions: A Matter of Life and Death

At the heart of yesterday’s event were calls for critical legislative measures to protect New Yorkers:

– The Grieving Families Act: This bill, currently awaiting Governor Hochul’s signature, aims to expand the rights of families who have endured the pain of losing loved ones due to negligence. The current wrongful death statute in New York is outdated and fails to adequately compensate families for their emotional suffering. As attorneys representing victims of car accidents, we see how passing this bill could provide essential support for grieving families seeking justice.

– The “ISA for Repeat Speeders” Bill: Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA) technology targets repeat speeding offenders who pose significant risks on our streets. Alarmingly, 38% of fatal crashes involve a small fraction of drivers with multiple speeding violations in school zones. Implementing ISA technology could drastically reduce these preventable deaths.

The Devastating Reality of Traffic Violence

The statistics are alarming. In Queens alone, 64 people have lost their lives to traffic crashes this year, including five children and six seniors. Citywide, serious injuries have reached record-breaking levels, with over 2,300 New Yorkers suffering severe injuries so far in 2024 — a 10% increase compared to two years ago. In Queens, serious injuries have surged by 35%, underscoring the urgent need for investment in safer streets.

Families affected by traffic violence shared deeply personal stories during the event, many of which are now featured on Families for Safe Streets’ new “Memorial Story Map.” These stories serve as poignant reminders that behind every statistic is a life cut short, a family forever changed.

Commemorating Lives, Demanding Change

As we reflect on the lives lost, we recognize that these tragedies are not inevitable. The gathering in Flushing yesterday was not just about honoring victims; it was a powerful call to action. It was a demand for safer streets, stricter enforcement of traffic laws, and legislative changes that prioritize the lives of New Yorkers.

We urge our leaders to listen to the voices of grieving families, to pass these critical laws, and to invest in life-saving infrastructure. As attorneys dedicated to fighting for the rights of car accident victims, we will continue to advocate for safer streets and support those affected by traffic violence.

If you or a loved one has been impacted by a traffic crash, it’s crucial to seek legal advice promptly. The experienced car accident attorneys at Gair, Gair, Conason, Rubinowitz, Bloom, Hershenhorn, Steigman & Mackauf are here to help you navigate the complex legal landscape and fight for the justice you deserve. Contact us today at 212-943-1090 for a free consultation.