Congressman Nadler, Assemblymember Rosenthal, Senators Hoylman-Sigal, Ramos, Cleare Join TA, FSS, Advocates To Demand Assembly Pass Sammy’s Law to Stop Queen’s Traffic Violence Crisis
MLK High School was where Jayden McLaurin of Queens went to school. Jayden was killed in Queens one year ago.
More than half of the children killed in the last two years were killed in Queens.
Queens has had 18 people killed so far in 2024, tied for the most dangerous year at this point in the year with 2023.
NEW YORK — Today, State Senator Hoylman-Sigal, Ramos, and Cleare joined Assemblymember Rosenthal, Congressman Jerry Nadler, and Council Member Gale Brewer alongside Families for Safe Streets, Transportation Alternatives, Local 372, AARP-NY, UNICEF, CIDNY, parent leaders from Queens schools PS110, PS19, and the East Elmhurst Community School to demand that the New York State Assembly include Sammy’s Law in the final state budget.
Sammy’s Law, which would empower New York City to set its own speed limits, received a major endorsement from the Child Health Initiative — an international collaborative composed of the world’s foremost experts in public health. New bill language was introduced in the Assembly in 2024, and Sammy’s Law has since garnered multiple new bill sponsors.
Sammy’s Law is named for Sammy Cohen Eckstein, a 12-year-old boy killed by a speeding driver in Brooklyn in 2013 in front of his home. Since his tragic and preventable death, more than 2,400 people, including 108 children, have been killed in traffic violence in New York City. Every year, preventable traffic crashes cost New York State $15 billion.
The site of the press conference, MLK High School, was the school that 16-year-old Jayden Mclaurin attended before he was killed in a preventable crash in early 2023.
The bill’s language has changed since last year. This year, Sammy’s Law includes specific language to apply to non-arterial, residential streets outside of Manhattan. The legislation also includes a robust education program and community engagement process before changes to speed limits are made. Over 130 organizations, including major unions, hospitals, business groups, and other civic organizations support its immediate passage.
Several cities, including New York City, have proven that lower speed limits work. Lower speed limits make everyone drive safer, even those who disobey the limit.
After both Boston and Portland lowered their speed limits, drivers traveled at safer speeds, and those driving over 35 mph saw the biggest reduction in speed. When Portland lowered its speed limit from 25 mph to 20 mph, there was a 26% reduction in drivers traveling between 30-35 mph, and a 47% reduction in drivers traveling faster than 35 mph.
New York City has a citywide speed limit of 25 mph, passed in 2014. Within a year of the change, traffic fatalities fell by more than 22% and pedestrian fatalities fell by over 25%.
Researchers have also found that the crash rate decreases by four to six percent for every one mph reduction in speed, and the fatal crash rate decreases by 17%.
Slower speeds have already saved lives in the five boroughs. Neighborhood Slow Zones – areas where the speed limit is only 20 mph – had zero pedestrian fatalities in 2022. Outside of these zones, in parts of the city where the speed limit is 25 mph or above, the fatality rate is nearly five times greater. In 2021, the fatality rate outside of these Zones was more than seven times greater than inside the 20 mph zones. There was also 31% reduction in injuries for both drivers and passengers in Neighborhood Slow Zones.
New Yorkers support slower, safer speeds. 72% of New York City adults believe the City should have the authority to set its own speed limits, and 68% of adults said they would support seeing the speed limit lowered from 25 to 20 miles per hour on residential streets near their homes – just like the new legislative language addresses.
In addition to the suffering and loss caused by the epidemic of traffic violence, this crisis costs the New York State economy at least $15 billion annually in combined costs from hospitalization, emergency response, legal expenses, lost wages, and lost economic activity – costs that can be curbed by including Sammy’s Law in the final New York state budget.
What elected officials are saying:
"Speeding and reckless drivers have already wreaked havoc and claimed the lives of far too many New Yorkers; just this week, another child was killed by traffic violence and another one injured," said Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal, Assembly sponsor of Sammy's Law. "Every instance of traffic violence alters a family forever, leaving behind immense pain that cannot be erased. But we cannot accept these crashes as the norm. Passing Sammy's Law, in memory of Sammy Cohen Eckstein, will give New York City the tools it needs to control speed limits and make our streets safer. These deaths are preventable and it's past time that the New York State Legislature recognize this by passing Sammy's Law as part of our final state budget."
State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal, Senate sponsor of Sammy’s Law, said: “I named Sammy’s Law after Sammy Cohen Eckstein to honor his memory in the belief that if Albany allowed New York City to set its own speed limits, we could help prevent other children from falling victim to traffic violence. Yesterday, I’m so proud of the Senate Democratic Conference for having included Sammy’s Law in our One House budget resolution, after having passed it on the Senate floor twice before. Now is the moment to pass Sammy’s Law as part of this year’s budget.”
“I am in full support of passing Sammy’s Law to give New York City the authority to control it’s our own safety needs,” said Congressman Jerrold Nadler. “The simple fact is that New York City along with its residents should be allowed to make decisions about its streets and roads, and what is a safe speed to travel on a residential street. Sammy’s Law, named in honor of a 12-year-old boy killed in Brooklyn by a speeding car, will give NYC and local residents the power to decide where and how to institute slower speeds that save lives. Slower speeds are proven to protect pedestrians, cyclists, AND motorists from serious injury and death. This is particularly true of our streets' most vulnerable users: children, seniors, the mobility challenged. Last year 259 New Yorkers were needlessly killed by traffic violence, and 2024 is on track to be even deadlier. Sammy’s Law, allowing for home rule, is supported by Governor Hochul and Mayor Adams, is carried by my good friends Senator Hoylman-Sigal and Assemblymember Rosenthal, and is supported by dozens of New York City leaders and civic groups. I hope it is included in the upcoming budget bill. The time for New Yorkers to be able to decide for ourselves about how to keep our streets safe is today.”
“Traffic crashes killed nearly 250 people last year, over half of whom were on foot or a bike, marking 2023 as one of the deadliest years for cyclists in two decades. No one should fear crossing the street or riding their bike in our city because of speeding cars," said New York City Comptroller Brad Lander. “The data is clear: slower speeds mean safer streets. That’s why I stand with Sammy's family, Families for Safe Streets, State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal, and Assemblymember Linda Rosenthal in advocating for the inclusion of Sammy’s Law in the budget, so that New York City can work to fulfill the promise of Vision Zero and eliminate preventable fatalities and serious injuries on our streets.”
“Sammy’s Law would give the city more flexibility to set speed limits in thoughtful, targeted ways to keep New Yorkers safe on our streets,” said New York City Department of Transportation Commissioner Rodriguez. "NYC DOT strongly supports Sammy’s Law, renewing and expanding our Red Light Camera program, and legislation that will ensure we can get reckless drivers off our streets. We are committed to working with communities and local elected officials on these comprehensive initiatives and will continue to advocate for important street safety measures to honor the life of Sammy Cohen Eckstein.”
“Slower speeds save lives,” said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. “Passing Sammy’s Law would allow New York City to set its own lower speed limits and enable it to make its busy streets safer for all who use them. That’s why I join with our many government and community partners in urging that Sammy’s Law be adopted as part of this year’s state budget.”
“Passing Sammy’s Law is a critical step in our effort to build safer streets in New York. Allowing New York City to control its own speed limits is a simple yet powerful way to reduce traffic violence and protect our most vulnerable road users," said Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine. "I urge Governor Hochul and the state legislature to pass this lifesaving measure in the next NYS budget.”
Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez said, “New York City should take all available steps to reduce vehicular violence, and setting its own speed limit is an important tool in this effort. I join the sponsors, street safety advocates, labor unions and the rest of this coalition in calling on our legislators to pass Sammy’s Law and help make our streets safer for everyone.“
"We stand on the cusp of progress, on the brink of transformation. Sammy's Law isn't just about legislation; it's about safeguarding lives, preserving futures, and investing in our collective well-being. Together, let's make history in this year's budget by putting safety first and ensuring every New Yorker can walk, bike, and drive without fear. Let's pave the way for safer streets and brighter futures. Our time is now,” said State Senator Robert Jackson.
State Senator Liz Krueger said, "We deserve streets that are safe for every New Yorker, and passing Sammy's Law this year is a top priority for me. Empowering New York City to lower its speed limit is long overdue, and will make streets safer for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers alike."
"Each year without Sammy's Law is a year with more preventable deaths on our streets," said State Senator Andrew Gounardes. "It makes no sense that legislators from all across the state get to dictate the speed limit in New York City. By giving New York City control over its own streets, we can save lives. We owe it to all the families who have lost loved ones in preventable crashes to finally get Sammy's Law across the finish line this year."
Assemblymember Jeffrey Dinowitz said, "We must pass Sammy's Law to make our streets safer and preserve lives. By granting cities the authority to establish speed limits and implementing essential traffic calming measures, we honor the memory of Sammy Cohen Eckstein and uphold the principles of Vision Zero. The success witnessed in New York City, where a 36% decline in pedestrian deaths was achieved through such measures, exemplifies the transformative power of this legislation. Let us heed the evidence studies provide, recognizing that lower speeds significantly reduce the severity of pedestrian injuries and fatalities. Every life saved, every injury prevented, is a testament to our commitment to creating communities where pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists can thrive."
“We know it is a well established fact that reducing the speed of moving vehicles saves lives. I stand with colleagues and advocates, again, to bring attention to the critical importance of passing Sammy’s Law this session. We have a responsibility to do much more to fight the ongoing crisis of traffic violence. I thank Transportation Alternatives and Families for Safe Streets, and a broad coalition of supporters, for their persistent dedication to addressing this serious issue,” said Assemblymember Deborah J. Glick.
"I recently released a Western Queens Street Safety Plan with other elected colleagues because we have lost loved ones, including children to car accidents. But this is really a city-wide issue and that is why we need to pass Sammy's Law because whether it is in Astoria or in Midwood, we need to better manage speed limits on our streets. I thank Families for Safe Streets for continuing to raise the importance of this legislation and look forward to advocating for its passage in the Assembly immediately upon returning to Albany next month," said Assemblymember Jessica González-Rojas.
"Sammy's Law is the ultimate form of city control: letting NYC set its own speed limits in order to keep children, seniors, and everyone safe. Albany has no business standing in the way of this common sense and overdue change," said Assemblymember Alex Bores.
“New York City deserves the right to set its own speed limits and doing so will save lives,” said Assembly Member Harvey Epstein. “As a proud co-sponsor of Sammy’s Law A7266, I am determined to ensure this passes this session. Quite frankly, it's taken far too long to get this done.”
What advocates are saying:
"This legislation will create safer streets by giving New York City the power to not only lower speed limits but to tailor them to meet the safety needs of individual neighborhoods," said Michael Mulgrew, president of the United Federation of Teachers. "We know lower speed limits around schools save lives. This legislation will let us expand that safety net where needed."
"The 2,000+ New York City school crossing guards who protect our kids every day have a hazardous front-row seat to our speeding epidemic. Crossing guards are consistently threatened by speeding drivers, and Sammy's Law would help them do their jobs with less risk. Our community has been devastated this year by the loss of Krystyna Naprawa, who was a beloved Local372 member, killed just doing her job protecting New York City's most vulnerable. Its simple common sense for New York City to be able to control our own speed limits. Local 372 calls for the passage of Sammy's Law as soon as possible," said Donald Nesbit, Executive Vice President, Local 372
“All pedestrians should feel safe when crossing the street, but older New Yorkers are at greater risk,” said AARP New York State Director Beth Finkel. “In 2019, one of every three pedestrians killed or injured statewide was 50 or older, according to the State Department of Motor Vehicles. And unsafe pedestrian conditions are most pronounced in lower-income communities and communities of color - in particular Black communities. There’s proof that lower speed limits work; lower limits in New York City authorized by the State in 2014 led to a 36% decline in pedestrian deaths and the lowest number of City traffic fatalities in 2018 since record-keeping began in 1910. As the number of older New Yorkers explodes with the aging of the boomer generation in particular, it’s time to slow motorists down and further reduce risks.”
"UNICEF is dedicated to improving and protecting the lives of children and adolescents in the first two decades of their lives. Road traffic crashes are the leading cause of death for those between the ages of 5 and 19 years worldwide. Road traffic crashes kill staggering numbers of people in the United States, as well. UNICEF stands here today in support of global road safety best practices, including 20 mph speed limits on residential streets. Reduced speed is a simple and proven measure that saves lives. New York City can, and should be, a global leader on road safety. We encourage the New York State Assembly to pass Sammy's Law right now," said Joanne Vincenten, the Global Lead for Child Injury Prevention at UNICEF Headquarters in New York.
“The Center for Independence of the Disabled, New York (CIDNY) advocates for New Yorkers to have safe and accessible public streets and spaces. Traffic accidents can occur both on the public sidewalks and in the streets. Cars, electronic bikes, mopeds, motorized carts can be hazardous to someone who is trying to ambulate across the street and/or up or down the sidewalk. These Traffic accidents are one of the leading causes for death among youth living in New York City. We must work to ensure that our city is safe and accessible for all. The effects of traffic accidents can cause unwanted debilitating conditions and further change the life trajectory for youth who are impacted by traffic accidents,” said Sharon McLennon Wier, Ph.D., MSEd., CRC, LMHC, Executive Director of the Center for Independence of the Disabled, New York.
“Queens has had 18 traffic deaths so far in 2024, tied for the borough's most dangerous year in over a decade. City control of speed limits, and safer speeds, are proven to save lives. This is good for the community overall, and it is good for the business community too. Safe conditions for walking improve life for everyone. The Chinatown Partnership wants to see Sammy's Law enacted as soon as possible," said Wellington Z. Chen 陳作舟, Chinatown BID/Partnership 華埠商業改進區 / 華埠共同發展機構
“While we unfortunately are not able to attend this meeting, the Fresh Meadows Tenants Association wants to be on record as supporters of Sammy’s Law, and urges our elected officials to pass this piece of legislation and any others which come before them, to make our streets safer, especially for children, but also for everyone,” said Fresh Meadows Tenants Association Sol Sturm President.
“Put Sammy’s Law in this budget and pass it as quickly as possible,” said Sara Lind, Co-Executive Director at Open Plans. “Saving lives is that straightforward; politics should never get in the way. Our state leaders can help liberate every New Yorker from the constant threat and burden of traffic violence. But every year they delay Sammy’s Law, they prioritize politics over people. No more delays. Passing Sammy’s Law in the budget is the right thing to do for New Yorkers.”
“It's time for NYC to take control of their own destiny and it starts with the passing of Sammy’s Law. NYC elected officials and residents must control their schools, roads, and incarceration of nyc residents, because right now the state is failing us and we have the data. We need better results to make life safer for our children, youth and young adults," said Charles Fisher, Founder, Hip-Hop Summit Youth Council
"New York City holds a pivotal opportunity to underscore its dedication to safety by reducing the speed limit to 20 mph. Speeding isn't just a statistic; it's a devastating catalyst for irreversible loss and shattered families. Every life is extremely valuable. Let's navigate our roads with a profound sense of responsibility, recognizing that each pedestrian's safety hangs in the balance – because it truly does,” said Janette Fennell, President of Kids and Car Safety
“Consumer Reports strongly supports Sammy’s Law because residents of New York City and any community should be able to get lower speed limits on local streets, if that’s what they want to help protect their loved ones,” said Chuck Bell, Advocacy Programs Director for Consumer Reports. “It’s absurd that New York State prevents the City from following the evidence, which is clear that you are much more likely to survive and avoid a serious injury if you’re hit by a car at twenty miles per hour instead of twenty-five. With around 1 in 5 Americans saying that they or a family member has been hit by a car or has had a close call as a pedestrian in the past year, it’s urgent for lawmakers in Albany to pass Sammy’s Law when the new session convenes,” said Chuck Bell, Consumer Reports, Programs Director, Advocacy
“Simply put, speed kills. Excess speed contributes to the frequency and severity of motor vehicle crashes. It also is especially dangerous for vulnerable road users (VRUs) like pedestrians and bicyclists. The New York legislature has a prime opportunity to address this major contributor to crashes by advancing “Sammy’s Law” in the 2025 transportation budget (S. 8308/A. 8808). Doing so will give New York City the ability to curb speed limits, a proven lifesaver. It is time to get this commonsense solution across the finish line,” said Cathy Chase, President of Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety
