Vision Zero Going Strong

Since the 2013 launching of Vision Zero, traffic fatalities are down 22 percent and pedestrian deaths have decreased 27 percent in New York City. That equates to 66 fewer deaths. Vision Zero is a joint venture, requiring the participation of the New York Police Department, Department of Transportation, City Hall, Taxi & Limousine Commission, Department of Citywide Administration Services, and Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. Each department has assigned initiatives to address traffic and pedestrian accidents in New York City, approximately 103 initiatives in total.

New York Mayor de Blasio announced a new capital investment in the amount of $115 million for continuing Vision Zero in 2016. The city will focus on continuing to improve roadways and intersections which have been identified as high-risk areas, adding safe bicycle lanes, creating a 100-intersection project to determine safer left-turn designs, protecting senior citizens who comprise a large majority of the pedestrian injuries, implementing educational programs for children, and increased use of speed cameras.

Through education, enforcement, street design, and new legislation, Vision Zero aims to eradicate traffic and pedestrian deaths in New York City. With the estimate of 4,000 New Yorkers seriously injured and 250 fatalities a year, continuing accident prevention initiatives is of the utmost importance. If you have been in a car accident, whether it was caused by driver error or another condition, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact an experienced personal injury attorney who can discuss your claim with you and advise you of your legal rights and remedies. Call Sakkas, Cahn & Weiss, LLP at 212-571-7171.