Traffic Justice
Streetsblog Basics
What Do We Do Now?
Yesterday's horrific crash in Chinatown has us groping for answers. Why were there no bollards or other design elements to protect pedestrians on such a crowded street? Why did the driver have to double park to do his business? How could he be so careless as to leave his van running and in reverse? How can two more innocent people -- preschoolers -- die such violent deaths, and no one is held accountable? Would this have happened if our legal system weren't so cavalier about loss of pedestrian life and limb?
January 23, 2009
Midtown Police Refuse to Help Hit-and-Run Pedicab Victim
NYPD "Broken Windows" Strategy Does Not Apply to Traffic Crime
January 21, 2009
Queens DA Files Misdemeanor Charge Against Ibrihim Ahmed’s Killer
Alexander Aponte, the driver who hit and killed nine-year-old Ibrihim Ahmed, will be charged with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle -- driving without a license -- according to a spokesperson with the Queens district attorney's office.
January 16, 2009
NYC Prosecutors Lag Behind Nassau on Traffic Justice
Seekers of traffic justice have their work cut out for them in 2009. Even as the City Council dismisses cries for help from victims and their families, January has already brought news of a nine-year-old run down by an unlicensed driver who may or may not be criminally charged, and a DWI pedestrian killer who got off with an unbelievable 16-day sentence.
January 15, 2009
Council Committee Gives Short Shrift to Deterring Traffic Violence
It sounds as if yesterday's City Council Public Safety Committee hearing on Resolution 145, which calls on state lawmakers "to address the legal loopholes that allow dangerous and
deadly drivers to drive under the influence of drugs or to drive with a
suspended or revoked license," could have gone better.
January 14, 2009
Big Day for NYC Livable Streets Activism
There's a lot on the table today for New Yorkers looking to make streets safer and more welcoming for pedestrians and cyclists. Turnout will be needed at three events, including two meetings where recent improvements are expected to come under fire.
January 13, 2009
Testify Tomorrow for Stronger Laws to Deter Deadly Driving
One week after nine-year-old Ibrihim Ahmed was struck and killed by Alexander Aponte, who was driving without a valid license, the City Council's Public Safety Committee is taking a step to strengthen the inadequate penalties in place to deter reckless driving. Readers will recall that Aponte got off with a charge of driving with a suspended license, which carries minimal fines and seldom results in any jail time.
January 12, 2009
No Justice for Killing of Ibrihim Ahmed
Another story today highlights the woeful inadequacy of our justice system to deter traffic violence and hold reckless drivers accountable for the loss of life they cause. The Daily News reports that Alexander Aponte, who struck and killed nine-year-old Ibrihim Ahmed while driving a huge campaign bus for a Queens City Council candidate, will get away with a misdemeanor charge of driving with a suspended license. Not murder, not criminally negligent homicide, not vehicular manslaughter, not even reckless driving.
January 8, 2009