NYC Launches Countdown to Slower Speed Limit

by Blaine Kaniewski | 10/15/2014 | 5:08pm

NYC Launches Countdown to Slower Speed Limit

Traffic's going to start moving a little slower on New York City streets.
City officials are lowering the speed limit from 30 mph to 25. It's part of a citywide effort to reduce the number of pedestrian fatalities. 
 
Paul Steely White of Transportation Alternatives says the difference between 30 and 25 mph is life and death.
 
"If you're travelling 25 and you happen to hit someone, that person is twice as likely to survive than if you strike them going 30," he said.
 
Transportation officials have launched a countdown to remind New Yorkers about the change.  It's called the "25 Days to 25 MPH" campaign.
 
City resident Amy Cohen attended the launch ceremony in Brooklyn. She says her son  was fatally struck by a car last year. Cohen says a reduced speed limit will give drivers more time to react to the unexpected. 
 
"The driver driving the van would've been able to stop before hitting Sammy," she said.  "Even if a crash can't be avoided, it's much less likely to be fatal."
 
The Department of Transportation is placing ads around the city as well as posting on social media to inform New Yorkers about the new speed limit. The law goes into effect November 7th. 
 

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