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New York City saw the fourth consecutive year of fewer reported traffic deaths following the implementation of Vision Zero, with 2017 reporting the lowest number of traffic deaths since 1910, two years after the Model T was introduced to the world.
This sharp drop was heavily influenced by a 32 percent drop in the number of pedestrian deaths in 2017 compared to 2016, from 231 down to 214. Since 2013, NYC has seen a 28 percent drop in total traffic deaths.
“Vision Zero is working,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “The lower speed limit, increased enforcement and safer street designs are all building on each other to keep New Yorkers safe. Now we must deepen this work. Not even a single tragedy on our streets is acceptable, and we’ll keep fighting every day to protect our people.”
Vision Zero was introduced in 2014 in order to combat the number of traffic deaths in NYC, with an overall goal of cutting the overall number of traffic deaths in half by 2025. It’s based on a plan initially implemented across the Atlantic Ocean in Sweden, which treats all pedestrian deaths caused by vehicles as a failure of street design rather than as “accidents”.
The plan tackles a wide range of safety issues that can result in crashes, including increasing penalties against people who drive while intoxicated, implementing greater public outreach and communications plans, updating street designs, and increasing penalties against drivers who commit dangerous driving violations like failing to yield to pedestrians and speeding.
“These year-end Vision Zero statistics show that, since the initiative began, our combined efforts have significantly reduced traffic-related fatalities. We’ve made the streets of our City safer, and that has saved lives,” said NYPD Commissioner James P. O’Neill. “But the stats also show us that there’s more for the members of the Vision Zero Task Force to do, and we will – together.”
While Vision Zero has taken major steps towards creating a safer city, hundreds of people are still killed in traffic crashes every year, and thousands more are seriously injured. If you were seriously injured in a car crash, you may be able to take your case to court and fight for the compensation you deserve. Give our NYC personal injury lawyers at The Perecman Firm, P.L.L.C., a call at (212) 577-9325 today, or fill out our online form to start out with a free case evaluation.
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