NEW YORK, N.Y. — No pedestrian died in New York City for nearly 60 consecutive days. The city reached the banner mark as a result of the coronavirus lockdown. Notwithstanding, city leaders are applauding the feat even though it occurred during a pandemic that forced city and private workers to stay home. ABC News reported […]
Covid 19
NEW YORK, N.Y. — No pedestrian died in New York City for nearly 60 consecutive days. The city reached the banner mark as a result of the coronavirus lockdown. Notwithstanding, city leaders are applauding the feat even though it occurred during a pandemic that forced city and private workers to stay home. ABC News reported that city transportation executives are pleased with the achievement. However, they asked motorists who continue to drive in New York City to slow down and remain safety-conscious even though there are many fewer cars on the street now than in February. The Mayor’s office is looking into closing off numerous streets to vehicular traffic, which will give pedestrians more space to walk when the City starts to return to work.
Traffic volume had to decrease dramatically in New York City to achieve what the Mayor’s Office has tried to do for the last six years. In 2014, the Mayor’s Office initiated its Vision Zero plan. In short, Vision Zero endeavors to eliminate traffic deaths in New York City. It took a horrible pandemic to reach the laudable goal set by the Mayor’s Office.
Because of the coronavirus pandemic that essentially closed New York City’s streets to all but a few cars, there have been no traffic or pedestrian accident deaths for 58 consecutive days. Unfortunately, the achievement has more to do with the city being in a lockdown than motorists, pedestrians, and pedal cyclists living harmoniously. With nonessential governmental workers either laid off or working from home and the private sector except for those businesses deemed essential working remotely, the volume of vehicular traffic has been reduced to a trickle compared to what it was in February.
City transportation agents have observed a disturbing trend, however. They noticed that twice as many people were caught speeding in April compared to February because of the open roads in the City. Authorities have reminded motorists to drive safely and reduce speeds.
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