Jacob Brown
New York City is poised to see a significant reduction in speed limits on its streets, with some limits potentially dropping as low as 10 mph.
This move comes in response to a heartbreaking family tragedy that inspired the passing of Sammy’s Law, which aims to prevent further accidents and fatalities.
Passing of Sammy’s Law:
Governor Kathy Hochul signed Sammy’s Law, granting the city authority to lower speed limits to 20 mph on most streets across the five boroughs.
Named after Sammy Cohen Eckstein, a 12-year-old who lost his life in a speeding-related accident in 2013, the law empowers the city’s Department of Transportation to set even lower limits, potentially down to 10 mph on certain streets.
Family-Led Advocacy:
Sammy’s mother, Amy Cohen, along with other grieving parents, tirelessly advocated for the law in honor of their lost children.
The bill signing ceremony took place at MS 51 in Park Slope, where Sammy attended school, highlighting the personal impact of the legislation.
Mayor Adams’ Commitment:
Mayor Adams expressed his solidarity with Sammy’s family and emphasized the necessity of reducing speed limits across the city.
Despite past concerns about implementing traffic-calming measures, Hochul and others remain confident in Adams’ commitment to enforcing the lower speed limits.
Long-Standing Advocacy:
The passage of Sammy’s Law represents the culmination of years of advocacy efforts by families who have tragically lost loved ones to speeding-related accidents.
Families like Harold and Debbie Kahn, who have been advocating for lower speed limits since their son died in 2009, continue to push for safer streets.
