Statement from Transportation Alternatives After Driver Kills Pedestrian in Flatbush, Brooklyn
Traffic violence has killed at least 18 people so far in 2022, two-thirds were pedestrians
Adams Administration has committed to designing 1,000 dangerous intersections
Advocates urge Albany to pass entire Crash Victim Rights and Safety Act, as well as an expansion of speed safety camera program this year
NEW YORK — On Tuesday morning, the driver of a Chevy SUV struck and killed a 64-year-old woman while she crossed a snowy crosswalk at the intersection of East 17th Street and Foster Avenue in Flatbush, Brooklyn. This is at least the 18th traffic death so far in 2022, up 20 percent compared to this point in 2021. Two-thirds of these deaths have been pedestrians.
Statement from Transportation Alternatives Executive Director Danny Harris:
“Once again, a driver of a big car has killed a Brooklyn resident as they tried to cross the street. We are heartbroken and outraged. We send our condolences to the loved ones of the deceased.”
“2021 was the deadliest year on New York City streets since 2013. Brooklyn had 85 fatalities, far above its Vision Zero-average of 61 per year. These numbers prove why we need an urgent investment to expand the Vision Zero tools that work. We are encouraged by Mayor Adams and Commissioner Rodriguez’s commitments to redesign 1,000 intersections for safety and upgrade protected bike lanes because Vision Zero at its core must focus on street design. We must also permanently fix dangerous corridors, expand automated enforcement, and create more car-free spaces. We look forward to partnering with the Adams Administration to quickly implement changes that will make our streets safe.”
“Albany must also do its part to help end the traffic violence crisis on our streets. Transportation Alternatives is proud to be part of the NYS Safe Streets Coalition, calling on Albany to pass the entire Crash Victim Rights and Safety Act this year. Albany legislators must also ensure that New York City’s speed safety camera program is extended and expanded by removing limits on hours of operation and bringing the program’s benefits to additional locations. New York City must have the ability to use this life-saving tool to its fullest potential to make our streets safe and ensure no other New Yorker fears death while simply trying to cross the street.”
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