As car accident lawyers involved in the fight for safer streets in New York, the recent analysis by Transportation Alternatives and Families for Safe Streets on the first 10 years of Vision Zero provides a critical look at the successes and challenges of this ambitious program. This analysis sheds light on the nuances of traffic safety and underscores the disparities that persist, despite overall improvements.
Vision Zero’s implementation over the past decade has undeniably made New York City streets safer. Traffic fatalities were 16% lower in the last ten years compared to the decade preceding Vision Zero, translating to more than 450 lives saved. This achievement is significant and reflects the impact of concerted efforts in street redesign, the installation of speed safety cameras, and the lowering of speed limits across the city. Pedestrian fatalities have seen a remarkable 29% decrease from 2014 to 2023, showcasing the effectiveness of citywide safety initiatives.
However, the analysis also highlights concerning trends, particularly the increase in traffic fatalities in majority-BIPOC and majority-Latino community boards, and the alarming rise in cyclist deaths. These statistics point to a stark reality: while some communities have become safer, others have seen an increase in traffic violence, underscoring the need for a more equitable implementation of Vision Zero strategies.