Governor Kathy Hochul signed Sammy’s Law on Thursday, allowing New York City to reduce its speed limits from 25 to 20 miles in some areas.
Amy Cohen, mother of Sammy Cohen Eckstein, who died in 2013 after being run over in Brooklyn and in whose honor this legislation passed in April was named, said this measure will help prevent similar tragedies.
“After losing a child, it is difficult to feel joy again, but if there is a time to be happy, it is now. Road violence can be prevented, and this is a proven solution to save lives. We finally did it,” Cohen said.
According to Ydanis Rodríguez, commissioner of the Department of Transportation, the change will only apply in specific areas of the city, such as school zones, parks and nursing homes.
He clarified that to implement a speed reduction throughout the city, the Municipal Council must approve this law.
“Mayor Eric Adams, we, have said publicly that we support it being reduced, now it is time for the City Council to make the decision,” the commissioner said.
Through social media, Mayor Adams said that ‘Sammy’s Law’ will improve street safety and save lives by empowering the city to establish appropriate speed limits on streets.
Too many families have lost loved ones to traffic violence. I speak with them. I know them. I feel their pain.
Sammy’s Law will improve street safety and save lives by empowering New York City to set appropriate speed limits on our streets.
Thank you to @GovKathyHochul,… pic.twitter.com/7LlCrvmjZa
— Mayor Eric Adams (@NYCMayor) May 9, 2024
Sammy’s mother along with Families for Safe Streets, a group of New Yorkers who have lost loved ones in traffic accidents, has advocated for lowering the speed limit since State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal and Assemblywoman Linda Rosenthal introduced the bill in Albany.
“For me personally it is a great achievement, because through the death of my son, I put a more positive perspective on him, helping other people who do not have to die and other children who can go to school since mine was never able to do so. to have taken a university to see him get married,” said Raúl Amperio.
According to a report from the organization Transportation Alternatives, the first quarter of 2024 was the deadliest since the Vision Zero program began in 2014. During that period, 60 people died in traffic accidents.
“Many have been related to speed, and that is why it is important, if everything goes well and is implemented as it should be, then this number will go down,” said Ana Theis, from Transportacion Alternatives.
The Transportation Department commissioner said they will begin implementing Sammy’s Law at the end of June.
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