If you’re like most people, you probably assume the local city government controls the speed limit within their city. That’s not necessarily true. At least not in New York state.
Gov. Hochul will try — for the second year in a row — to pass long-sought-after legislation to allow New York City to control its own speed limits, putting her own version of "Sammy’s Law" in her executive budget set to be unveiled during her "State of the State" address on Tuesday. — StreetsBlogNYC Gov. Hochul Again Seeks to Let New York City Lower its Speed Limits
The proposed bill reflects a response to the pleas of numerous families who have suffered losses due to traffic violence. These advocates believe that lowering the city's current speed limit from 25 mph to 20 mph could save lives. If passed, the law would not automatically enforce a new speed limit but would empower the city to make the decision to do so itself. This initiative follows the previous reduction of the base speed limit from 30 mph to 25 mph (and 20 mph in school zones) in 2014, which resulted in a 36-percent decrease in pedestrian fatalities.
Who should control the setting of speed limits? On one hand, allowing local government knows unique needs of different areas within the city. On the other hand, with the state setting the limit there would be uniformity and consistency in traffic regulations across broader regions, potentially reducing confusion for drivers. However, this might overlook the specific challenges and needs unique to a city as large as New York. 20 mph is slow even in smaller areas like Albany but in an area like NYC, it could make drives take much longer. Should it even matter when the question is one of saving lives?
Considering the size and diverse traffic conditions of New York City, one might question whether it's a special case that warrants different treatment from other cities. The city's dense population and heavy traffic arguably creates a unique set of challenges that could benefit from more localized control over traffic regulations.
What do you think? Do you believe that New York City should continue to have to get the state's approval to lower its speed limits within the city?
Nuance with Mike Scala and Jay Carter is a weekly video podcast that engages its audience through examination of current events from the unique perspectives of its hosts and guests.
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