New York City has officially lowered the speed limit to 20 mph in parts of Brooklyn, marking the first implementation of Sammy’s Law. This legislative change, which took effect on Wednesday, comes in response to the tragic death of 12-year-old Sammy Eckstein, who was struck by a vehicle 11 years ago at a crosswalk along Prospect Park West. Since then, his family has been fervently advocating for safer streets.
The law, signed by Governor Kathy Hochul in May, empowers the city to establish speed limits below the previous standard of 25 mph. This initiative aims to improve road safety and reduce the number of traffic-related incidents.
“Every mile per hour you reduce the speed limit decreases the likelihood of crashes, and when a pedestrian is struck at a lower speed, the chances of survival increase significantly,” noted Elizabeth Adams, co-executive director of Transportation Alternatives.
Local residents are also expressing their concerns about safety. Tasha Kosviner, a Park Slope mother, shared her worries, saying, “My kids are out here on bikes all the time, and it does occur to me when they cross the street that it’s dangerous.”
The Eckstein family was present as officials replaced the 25 mph sign with the new speed limit marker. Sammy’s father, Gary Eckstein, expressed a mix of emotions regarding the change. “It’s a painful beginning and a painful story, but it’s gratifying to finally see them reduce the speed limit here and elsewhere in the city, because lower speeds save lives. It’s as simple as that.”
The New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) has announced plans to implement Regional Slow Zones in each borough, with the goal of completing these changes by the end of the year. Officials aim to reduce speed limits at 250 locations, prioritizing roads near schools and shared spaces.
“I just want people to remember to slow down,” Dean urged, emphasizing the importance of community awareness in preventing future tragedies. The implementation of Sammy’s Law represents a significant step toward enhancing safety for all New Yorkers.
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