Statement Regarding Deadly Crash in the Lower East Side, April 12th 2010

“Today’s deadly crash at Essex and Delancey Streets is a tragedy, but not unexpected.  According to the NYS Department of Transportation, there have been more than 80 crashes at this exact location over a 10-year period.  A 2006 report by the Manhattan Borough President’s Office found this intersection to be the most congested in the
borough.  That’s why we have called on the New York City Department of Transportation to implement red light cameras and other pedestrian safety measures at ‘danger spot’ intersections throughout the city, including at Essex and Delancey.  While DOT has been working on improving safety conditions in Lower Manhattan and should be commended for that work, today’s incident underscores the need for further attention to this intersection, as well as rapid passage of pedestrian safety legislation to ensure that tragedies like this don’t happen again."