Drivers across states always need to remain updated on the laws of the road. Changes to driving legislation and road policies are constantly in flux. This is because the reality of the roads is constantly changing, with the needs and safety position of drivers constantly in negotiation due to new technological upgrades to vehicles, changes to the roads themselves, and changes to traffic flow and influx. Recently, this town has made changes for these drivers.
Keeping drivers and other road users safe
Road policies and legislation changes are perhaps the policies that are changed and updated most regularly. Policies regarding speed limits and their associated penalties are constantly under review, with speeding drivers being responsible for approximately one-third of road accident fatalities in 2023, according to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
In order to keep drivers and other road users safe, many states are coming down hard on drivers who are caught speeding, especially those who are deemed to be speeding excessively over the speed limit. With punishments ranging from severe fines that can amount to thousands of dollars, as well as the risk of jail time, local governments are ensuring the safety of their residents remains an utmost priority on the roads.
This city lowers the speed limit for these drivers
While recent pieces of legislation regarding speeding across the nation have focused on the penalties of driving over the speed limit, New York City has taken a different approach altogether regarding speeding drivers. Instead of focusing on implementing harsher penalties, the city has decided to lower the speed limit altogether in select locations throughout the city for all drivers to adhere to.
The decision is part of the implementation of the recently passed legislation dubbed ‘Sammy’s Law’. Sammy’s Law in the New York State Senate was passed after the death of twelve-year-old Sammy Cohen, who was struck and killed by a motor vehicle in 2013. After years of lobbying, the new law will see the city begin to reduce the speed limit from 25mph to 20mph, as well as from 15mph to 10mph in special traffic-calming zones, otherwise known as ‘slow zones
“Too many lives have been lost to traffic violence, including those of young children, because our laws do not protect them…” said State Senator John Liu
The city also recently passed legislation requiring e-bike users to ride at a maximum speed of 15mph following reports that e-bike riders were becoming hazardous to pedestrians. Previously, no specific laws indicated how fast e-bike drivers could drive.
New York continues to prioritize the well-being of its residents
In addition to the traffic changes seen in New York City, the state of New York itself has been implementing a variety of new policies for its residents outside of traffic legislation in order to continue to showcase a commitment to the needs of its residents. In the budget speech this year, it was announced that the state would be sending off once-off inflation checks to eligible New Yorkers in order to offset the associated costs of rising inflation.
New York is notorious for being one of the most expensive states to live in. With cost-of-living already being an increasing concern for citizens across the US, New Yorkers may be feeling particularly hard-hit with rising prices and expenses. While initiatives like the inflation checks are not a long-term solution to the cost-of-living crisis, they do provide much-needed immediate financial relief for citizens in the interim. Ensuring financial security is as important as physical safety for all, and New York has continued to showcase a commitment to both for their residents.
