New York City breaks record: 58 straight days with no pedestrian deaths

Authorities called on New Yorkers to watch out for speeding vehicles, despite the latest achievement

New York City has had 58 straight days without seeing one pedestrian death, thanks to the ongoing coronavirus lockdown.

It is the longest stretch in which pedestrians have not been struck in New York City since records began in 1983, said ABC news

Speaking before the City Council Transportation Committee on Tuesday, New York Department of Transportation commissioner Polly Trottenberg said that there had been 58 consecutive days without pedestrian traffic deaths.

New York City authorities ordered all nonessential businesses to shut almost two months ago, leaving the city’s streets almost without any traffic.

Despite the news, Ms Trottenberg called on New Yorkers to continue to be alert when walking, citing some drivers who have taken advantage of empty streets to speed.

“Unfortunately some drivers are taking advantage of our empty streets to speed recklessly, and we know we can never let up our vigilance,” said Ms Trottenberg, who added that the NYPD had increased targeted speed enforcement patrols.

The commissioner said that the number of driving violations issued had doubled in comparison to before the Covid-19 lockdown.

“We are continuing to install 60 new speed cameras each month, and plan to meet our goal of standing up the largest speed camera program in the world,” added Ms Trottenberg.

Mayor Bill de Blasio said last month that up to 100 miles of New York City’s streets could be opened-up to pedestrians, to encourage social distancing when outside.

Around 40 miles of the city’s streets are set to become free of traffic before the end of this month.