What should an interim report card on New York City's "Vision Zero" safety initiative reflect?
Although opinions will differ, of course, it might plausibly be suggested that the metro's adoption of a touted traffic crash-reduction program in 2014 has thus far merited a decent passing grade.
Indeed, proponents of the scheme - which is a thus-far $1.6 billion effort focused on education, engineering redesign, and enhanced enforcement -- point to some demonstrated successes.
Queens Boulevard is one of them. Reportedly, the busy and miles-long corridor once termed the "Boulevard of Death" hasn't experienced a single traffic-linked fatality in three years.
And, overall, statistics show that traffic deaths from all sources (including bus accidents, mass transit crashes and municipal vehicle mishaps) have fallen by about 28% across the city from 2014 to last year.
That is laudable, and a feat that every New Yorker will obviously cheer.
Still, we can do better. That is firmly evidenced by the fact that, even when taking account of the nearly 30% reduction in NYC-area traffic fatalities over a multi-year period, the number of people who died on city streets and varied roadways totaled 214 during 2017.
That is profoundly sad, and points squarely to the need for a strong and unremitting crash-reduction effort to persist as an A-list agenda item for New York legislators and safety regulators.
Notwithstanding the application of new -- and justifiably lauded -- programs being rolled out that promote safer traffic outcomes, high numbers of metro residents (passenger-vehicle drivers, motorcyclists, bicyclists and pedestrians) continue to be injured through the negligence of motorists on city thoroughfares.
Meaningful legal recoveries can be sought by those victims. A proven metro personal injury law firm can provide further information.
