NEW YORK — New speed limit signs are now up on Canal Street in Manhattan.
The speed limit has been reduced to 20 mph as part of Sammy’s Law .
Advocates say lowering speed limits reduces the number of crashes in the area and increases the chances of survival for crash victims.
What is Sammy’s Law?
Twelve-year-old Sammy Cohen Eckstein was struck and killed by a driver in Park Slope, Brooklyn in 2013. His family began fighting for a slower citywide speed limit after his death.
New York state lawmakers passed Sammy’s Law in April , and Gov. Kathy Hochul signed it in May .
The law allows the city to lower speed limits without Albany’s permission. On most of the impacted streets, the maximum speed limit is dropping from 25 mph to 20 mph, but in some areas, it could drop to 15 mph or lower. New speed limits must be approved by the City Council.
The lower speed limits can only be applied to roads with fewer than three lanes, and there are exceptions for major thoroughfares in the outer boroughs.