Friday, August 12, 2022

Governor Hochul Signs New Laws to Enhance Street Safety, Prevent Traffic Deaths, and Crack Down on Hit-And-Run Crashes

 Lights from traffic illuminate a highway in New York.

Legislation (A.1007-A/S.2021-A) Authorizes Municipalities to Reduce Speed Limits to 25 Miles Per Hour

Legislation (A.3964/S.9163) Increases Fines for Leaving the Scene of a Car Crash without Reporting It


 Governor Kathy Hochul today signed a legislative package to enhance street safety, prevent traffic-related fatalities, and crack down on hit-and-run incidents. Two new laws will allow municipalities to reduce speed limits to 25 miles per hour and increase fines for leaving car crash scenes without reporting them.

"Every New Yorker deserves to feel safe when traveling on our streets, whether they are driving, cycling, or walking," Governor Hochul said. "These new laws will help prevent senseless tragedies and injuries by cracking down on erratic and irresponsible driving. Today, we are reaffirming our commitment to keeping New Yorkers safe and using every resource available to save lives."

Legislation (A.1007-A/S.2021-A) will help prevent traffic-related crashes and fatalities by allowing municipalities to reduce speed limits to 25 miles per hour. Research shows that faster driving speeds correlate to more serious injuries and fatalities for pedestrians in the event of a crash. Under current law, the default maximum speed limit throughout a city, town, or village may not be set lower than 30 mph. By giving municipalities local control to reduce speed limits, this legislation will improve public safety and prevent pedestrian fatalities.

Legislation (A.3964/S.9163) will deter hit and run incidents and enhance public safety by increasing fines for leaving the scene of a car crash without reporting it. Hit and run incidents are particularly dangerous when an individual is hurt and the driver at fault fails to report it, since that person may not get the proper care when they need it. This legislation will increase the fine range for leaving the scene of a personal injury crash to $750-$1,000 and increase the fine range for a repeat violation to $1,000-$3,000.

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