Statement by Senator Hoylman on Passage of Legislation to Authorize New York City to Lower Speed Limits

Today the New York State Senate passed legislation to authorize New York City to lower the motor vehicle speed limit to 25 mph, a key part of Mayor de Blasio’s “Vision Zero” plan to eliminate traffic fatalities within a decade. Approximately 4,000 New Yorkers are seriously injured, and over 250 are killed every year in traffic accidents in New York City. Reduced speed limits have been proven to reduce fatality rates and give pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers alike increased response time. Research shows an individual struck by a motor vehicle travelling at 40 mph has a 70% probably of being killed, while one hit by a car travelling at 25 mph has a fatality likelihood of only 10%. I commend Mayor de Blasio, my colleagues in both houses of the Legislature, and particularly family members of those killed by speeding drivers who have channeled their sorrow and rage into advocacy to improve the safety of all New Yorkers.