One of the most tragic events that can happen to a family is the sudden, unexpected death of a loved one in a car accident. The New York Crash Victim Safety Act was created to try and prevent this from happening.

This new safety act creates safer streets, enforces safer speeds, protects pedestrians, and supports those who are personally involved in an accident.

The safety act is designed to offer better support and protection to people injured in car accidents. It sets new standards for how vulnerable road users must be treated on the road and when an accident happens.

The New York Crash Victim Safety Act is a potential victory for car accident victims in New York State. It provides much-needed protection and guarantees that victims will be taken care of after an accident.

Understanding the New York Crash Victim Safety Act

The Crash Victim Safety Act shows an effort to improve safety for all roadway users and reduce the number of injuries and fatalities resulting from motor vehicle crashes.

There are a few main components to this safety act. Some of these components include speed limits, safer streets, protection for all road users, and support for victims.

Speed Limits

The New York Crash Victim Safety Act permits a decrease in the statewide speed limits on the streets. Specifically, speed limits may be set to 25 mph in towns and areas outside New York City.

Safer Streets

One of the key factors in car crashes is how safe the street is. The level of street safety depends on general maintenance, potholes, traffic, size, etc. It is easier to get in a car crash on an unsafe road than on a well-maintained one.

This new act will provide more financial compensation for maintaining streets and even funding for new street design features. Redesigning the roads and adding new features will make them safer for mobile transportation users and pedestrians.

There will be funding projects to maintain the roads, resurface the pavements, and provide safer access to all users.

Protecting the Vulnerable 

There are certain levels of vulnerability on the road. An individual driving a small semi truck is naturally less vulnerable to injury and death than an individual driving a small compact car or riding a bicycle. The New York Crash Victim Safety Act enforces measures to protect the most vulnerable pedestrians and bicyclists.

With this new act, the driver must stay at least 3 feet away from a pedestrian or bicyclist when passing them. This regulation will provide enough distance for the driver and pedestrian to safely pass each other with no injury.

The new act will also require a learning course for drivers. The course will educate drivers on safely navigating around vulnerable road users.

Support for Those Impacted

Unfortunately, not all traffic violence can be prevented. However, when an accident does happen, steps can be taken to soften the aftermath of experiencing a car crash.

The New York Crash Victim Safety Act will support victims through the crash victims bill of rights. Victims will have more rights to protect themselves and will be given a voice.

Accident reports and impact statements must be provided to the victim or next of kin, among other rights, to protect and support them through the process.

This right is not only crucial for the victim but also for their family and loved ones. Going through a traumatic event like this can be challenging for everyone, and this new act offers enough support for everyone involved in the situation.

Why Do We Need the New York Crash Victim Safety Act?

The Crash Victim Safety Act intends to change driver behavior through its rules and regulations. This act makes it clear that pedestrians and bicyclists have a right to use New York City streets without fear of being struck by a car.

The hope is that by enforcing stricter rules around yielding to pedestrians and bicyclists, drivers will be more cautious and attentive, leading to fewer crashes overall.

The New York Crash Victim Safety Act is a comprehensive piece of legislation. However, this legislation addresses many aspects of traffic safety.

The safety act will make the streets of New York safer for everyone by reducing speed limits, providing funding for street redesign, and requiring driver education courses.

Additionally, the safety act provides support to victims and their families through the crash victims bill of rights. This support includes accident reports and impact statements delivered to the victim or next of kin. These statements must be given free of charge when requested.

With this new safety act, New York City streets will be better suited for all road users.

Talk to the Car Accident Lawyers at Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law

If you or a loved one has been injured in a New York car accident due to the negligence of others, we can help. Our top-rated car accident lawyers will review the evidence at hand at the onset of the case and may also further build the case by collecting more evidence. We have decades of experience championing for our clients and succeeding, even when other attorneys say there is no case and insurance adjusters deny or devalue your claim. 

At Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, we believe in exceptional client care, empathy, and results. That’s what makes us one of the top-rated car accident law firms in the area. With offices across New York State and through New York City, we’ve got you covered. We’ve helped people just like you move forward after sustaining an injury that was caused by another’s negligence. Contact us today for a free consultation.