Statement After a Deadly Weekend on NYC’s Streets, Including Hit-and-Run Drivers Killing Infant and Cyclist
Six Individuals Killed in Crashes, At Least Five Others Injured
“New Yorkers don’t need any more statements, empty promises or go-nowhere task forces — we need immediate action to save lives.”
NEW YORK — This weekend, a driver killed a 3-month-old baby and critically injured its mother and another individual, another driver killed a cyclist and injured two others on the Upper West Side, one driver killed a pedestrian on the Upper West Side, another driver killed a teen on a moped in Queens, two drivers killed motorcyclists in Queens, and another driver left a cyclist in critical condition in Brooklyn.
These crashes push the total number of people killed in traffic violence in 2021 to 188. Since Mayor de Blasio took office, traffic violence has killed more than 1,800 people.
Statement by Danny Harris, Transportation Alternatives Executive Director:
“We’re heartbroken and furious by the deadly and daily occurrence of traffic violence on Mayor de Blasio’s streets. The deadliest year under Mayor de Blasio’s tenure shows no sign of letting up after crashes killed six people, including a three-month-old baby, over the weekend. We send our deepest condolences to all of the families and communities devastated by these preventable crashes.”
“From babies to teachers to police officers, no one is immune to the dangers of a city that continues to prioritize the convenience of drivers over saving human lives. The driver who killed the three-month-old had amassed more than 160 traffic violations including 91 school zone speeding violations. This driver should not have been on the road, period. In his remaining months in office, Mayor de Blasio must fight back concretely against this wave of traffic violence and hit-and-runs with street redesigns that prevent reckless drivers from causing tragedy in the first place.”
“We need our next mayor and city council to chart a new path forward for NYC built on safe streets for people. Our leaders must implement the vision of NYC 25x25 and repurpose 25 percent of our streets to better use by 2025. This must include opening streets to people, redesigning dangerous corridors, and building safer streets across every corner of this city that put pedestrians, cyclists, and transit riders first.”
“New Yorkers don’t need any more statements, empty promises or go-nowhere task forces — we need immediate action to save lives.”
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