Authorizes a photo radar demonstration program in N.Y. city imposing civil liability upon vehicle owners for violations of maximum speed limits

1 Co-sponsor

• Martin Malavé Dilan

BILL NUMBER:S7856

Title of bill

An act to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to civil liability of vehicle owners for maximum speed limit violations and providing for the repeal of such provisions upon expiration thereof

Purpose or general idea of bill

This bill authorizes a photo radar demonstration program in New York City imposing civil liability upon vehicle owners for violations of maximum speed limits.

Summary of specific provisions

The vehicle and Traffic law is amended by adding a new section 1160-b. Owner liability for failure of operator to comply with maximum speed limits.

Justification

This measure authorizes the City of New York to install and operate photo radar devices on McGuiness Boulevard. McGuiness Boulevard is a North/South Four-Lane Arterial Street stretching over one mile through the heart of Greenpoint, Brooklyn. It is a notorious corridor for motor vehicles traveling at extremely dangerous speeds, leading to numerous severe injuries and deaths. According to data from the New York State Department of Transportation, from 2005-2009 there were 57 crashes involving motorists crashing into pedestrians or bicyclists, an average of nearly one crash per month. Of the 57 crashes, 44 involved pedestri- ans--resulting in one pedestrian death. The remaining 13 crashes involved bicyclists and resulted in three bicyclist deaths.

In the Pedestrian Safety Study and Action Plan released in August 2010, the New York City Department of Transportation found that pedestrian fatalities occur disproportionately along multi-lane streets and avenues, like McGuiness Boulevard, and that speeding, driver inattention and failure to yield are the underlying factors behind the vast majority of pedestrian fatalities or serious injury.

A study recently conducted by Transportation Alternatives demonstrated that 66 percent of drivers traveling McGuiness Boulevard exceeded the 30-mph city speed limit. As the neighborhood's population continues to grow, increased pedestrian and bicyclist traffic will only exacerbate the problem It is imperative that measures be taken immediately to slow traffic along this corridor if we are to prevent future injuries and deaths.

Prior legislative history

None.

Fiscal implications

EFFECTIVE DATE: This act shall take effect on the thirtieth day after it shall have become a law.