Governor Hochul Joins New York City Officials and Activists to Celebrate the Signing of Sammy’s Law

 

Law Allows New York City to Lower Speed Limit and Save Lives 

Governor Kathy Hochul today was joined by New York City Mayor Eric Adams, New York City officials, and activists to celebrate the passage of Sammy’s Law as part of the FY2025 Budget Agreement. After a decade of advocacy, this law will allow New York City to lower its speed limit to 20 miles per hour on nearly every road, which will reduce the risk of death or life-threatening injury in a crash. The legislation was named for Sammy Cohen Eckstein, a 12-year-old child who died in 2013 after he was hit by a driver in Park Slope, Brooklyn.

“Too many children have been hit and killed by cars speeding through our city streets, shattering families and traumatizing communities," Governor Hochul said. “We are celebrating the passage of Sammy's Law which will empower New York City to take back its streets and save lives."

With the passage of Sammy’s Law, New York City can now lower its speed limits via local law, with exception for major thoroughfares in the outer boroughs. Lowering speed limits is a demonstrated method to reduce the risk of death or injury during vehicular crashes and saves lives. Signing Sammy’s Law builds on Governor Hochul’s work to improve roadway safety across the State, expanding camera programs near schools and key intersections, dedicating funding towards traffic calming programs, and establishing New York State’s first Automated Work Zone Speed Enforcement program.