Advocates for safer speed limits push for Sammy’s Law
It would allow NYC to set its own speed limits
State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal, Assemblymember Jo Anne Simon, Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani, Council Member Christopher Marte, Council Member Carlina Rivera, and Council Member Shahana Hanif joined members of Families for Safe Streets, Transportation Alternatives, and other advocates to rally in support of Sammy’s Law, legislation that would allow New York City to finally have autonomy over its own speed limits, at City Hall Park this morning.
After the lifesaving legislation wasn’t included in the final state budget, the City Council must pass a home-rule message in support of the bill, and then Sammy’s Law must pass through the State Assembly and the State Senate before it can be signed into law by the governor.
Sammy’s Law is named for Sammy Cohen Eckstein, a 12-year-old boy killed by a speeding driver in Brooklyn in 2013 just a few blocks from his home. Since his tragic and preventable death, more than 2,222 people, including 96 children, have been killed in traffic violence in New York City.
“To save lives across the five boroughs, New York City must have the ability to set its own speed limits,” said Danny Harris, Executive Director of Transportation Alternatives. “Speeding kills more New Yorkers than drunk drivers and distracted drivers combined – and pedestrians and cyclists, especially in high-poverty neighborhoods, are especially vulnerable. Legislators in New York City and Albany can save lives by supporting and passing Sammy’s Law, finally giving New York City the autonomy to set its own speed limits.”