City and traffic safety organization work to improve pedestrian safety during winter
Winter brings earlier sunsets and longer evenings, but it also brings an increase in traffic accidents and fatalities, especially for pedestrians. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a significantly higher number of pedestrian fatalities occur in the dark. The evening hours and darkness have proven to be more dangerous for pedestrians, prompting New York City Mayor Adams to announce the continuation of the “Dusk and Darkness” public safety campaign for the seventh year in a row. The program has proven successful, with the average number of pedestrian fatalities declining on city roads.
Sunnyside Shines, a business improvement district consisting of over 300 businesses, has also taken an interest in improving street safety as pedestrian foot traffic is crucial to their success. While successful measures have been put in place, fatalities still persist as a national problem. In 2021, traffic fatalities reached their highest level in 16 years.
Speed cameras have been shown to have a significant impact on street safety and driver behavior. With New York City’s implementation of Vision Zero and speed cameras, traffic and pedestrian deaths have dropped considerably. As an example, speed violations have decreased in camera zones citywide, demonstrating that the speed camera program is effective at curbing dangerous driving and preventing crashes. They have also proven to change dangerous driving behavior and decrease the frequency of repeat violations.
While these measures have been successful, the importance of improving street safety cannot be overstated, especially in the winter months. Speed cameras alone are not enough, but are successful when coupled with other traffic calming measures such as well-lit streets and restrictions on speeding. The safety of New Yorkers hinges on the expansion and strengthening of automated speed enforcement, and it is crucial for Albany to allow the city to do so.
In conclusion, as the winter season brings increased danger on our streets, it is essential to continue to invest in and expand successful safety programs to ensure the safety of pedestrians and motorists. The executive director of the Sunnyside Shines Business Improvement District in Queens, McCall de Palomá, emphasizes that the safety of New Yorkers is reliant on these measures.
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