NYC Legislators Propose Speed Limiters to Curb Reckless Driving

Speeding remains a leading cause of car accidents in NYC.

In response to a surge in car accidents linked to speeding, New York legislators are advocating for a tough stance on drivers who habitually speed, proposing the installation of speed limiters in their vehicles.

The concept behind this initiative is straightforward - to ensure that drivers adhere to the posted speed limits. As we wrote in July, over one-third of car accident fatalities in New York involve speeding, which is much higher than the national rate.

"We're not trying to penalize folks, we're just going to say if you're going to continue to drive on our streets you gotta do it within the speed limit," New York State Senator Andrew Gounardes said in an interview, according to Fox 5 New York.

What is a speed limiter?

As its name implies, a speed limiter is designed to prevent a vehicle from exceeding a set speed limit. Recent proposals by Gounardes and Assemblywoman Emily Gallagher seek to introduce legislation requiring the installation of these devices in the vehicles of drivers caught speeding six or more times in a year.

According to Fox 5 New York, such speed limiters would restrict drivers to a maximum of 5 mph above the posted speed limit. In New York City, where the default speed limit is 25 mph, this would cap drivers at 30 mph on city streets.

Additionally, the proposed legislation suggests that drivers with 11 or more points on their license within the past 18 months, even if not solely for speeding offenses, must also equip their vehicles with speed limiters for a year.

Addressing speeding holistically

The implementation of speed limiters is just one aspect of New York's comprehensive approach to curbing speeding-related accidents. The city has also expanded its use of speed cameras, installing them in numerous locations. These cameras have contributed to a 30% decrease in speeding-related accidents, according to the New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT).

"One year ago we launched 24/7 speed camera enforcement, and the results are in: the program has reduced speeding, decreased the number of injuries, and made our streets safer," NYC DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez said in a recent announcement. "Speeding happens most often on nights and weekends, and expanded enforcement has been a highly effective tool to keep New Yorkers safe."

Where have speeding cameras been installed in New York City?

According to the NYC DOT, the locations where speeding has decreased the most so far this year due to speed cameras are:

• 96 percent reduction in speeding on Houston Street (Manhattan)
• 84 percent on Cropsey Avenue (Brooklyn)
• 83 percent on Union Turnpike (Queens)
• 79 percent on Seagirt Boulevard (Queens)
• 74 percent on North Conduit Boulevard (Brooklyn)
• 68 percent on Bruckner Boulevard (Bronx)

Speeding in perspective

Speeding remains a primary cause of car accidents, and the consequences can be severe. Statewide data reveals a 15% increase in speeding-related car accident fatalities over the past decade. In New York City alone, speeding drivers were responsible for 3,940 accidents in 2022, firmly establishing speeding as a leading cause of accidents in the city.

The dangers of speeding

Speeding-related accidents often result in severe injuries and fatalities due to several factors. Speeding drivers have reduced reaction time and increased collision severity, leading to more devastating accidents. Additionally, speeding often coincides with other dangerous behaviors, such as tailgating, reckless lane changes, running red lights, texting while driving, and driving under the influence.

Our Bronx car accident lawyers are here to help

In the aftermath of a speeding-related accident, the legal process can quickly become complex, particularly when drivers deny wrongdoing. Our Bronx car accident lawyers at Giampa Law know how to handle such complicated cases. We have years of experience investigating and litigating these types of car accident injury claims.

Get the law firm that gets results for crash victims in New York City. Schedule a free consultation with a car accident attorney to review your potential legal options. We handle injury claims throughout New York on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay no fees unless we win. It's that simple. Contact us today to learn more.