Over the past few years, Staten Island has had its share of pedestrian accidents. Many of these accidents cause serious injury and fatalities. A number of pedestrian knockdowns have been caused by speeding drivers. Fortunately, the city is making some changes to make sure that those who take to the streets on foot are safe. New York City recently imposed a 25 MPH speed limit, and the Department of Transportation (DOT) has installed over 500 signs so far.
The city has installed signs at the major entry points of the city, such as the Lincoln and Holland tunnels. The DOT will prioritize a certain number of roads in Staten Island and will release the number in early 2015. Until the number is released, all local roads will have a limit of 25 MPH unless there are signs stating otherwise.
DOT Commissioner Polly Trottenberg reports that the installation of the signs is based on the “high-crash” areas of the city. There will be approximately 3,000 new signs posted by the end of 2015. About 19 roads in Staten Island, including Richmond Avenue, will allow for speeds over 25 MPH.
Despite all the changes, many Staten Island residents have expressed concern over the city’s high-speeding motorists. Some have even taken it upon themselves to make sure that motorists slow down. One local resident has been advocating for slower speeds on Jewett Avenue, where he lives with his family. Last year, he posted “Slow Down, Save Lives” signs in his neighborhood and in surrounding areas. One Oakdale resident has been petitioning for traffic calming in the area for close to 25 years.
While the new speed limit law is a step in the right direction, it is likely not enough to put a halt to dangerous driving. The end goal for many New York residents and transportation officials is to make the roads safer for pedestrians and prevent devastating accidents.
Source: Staten Island Live, “As city begins installing new MPH signs, Staten Island pedestrians complain of excessive speeding,” Vincent Barone, Nov. 20, 2014
