There is an oft-repeated phrase among New York City's transportation advocates: "If you ever need to kill someone, do it with a car." That's because, as long as you're not drunk or breaking two laws at the same time -- like speeding while running a red light or crossing a double-yellow line while drag racing -- it's likely that you won't be charged with vehicular homicide and may get off with little more than a slap on the wrist.
This past Tuesday, Transportation Alternatives and the Tri-State Transportation Campaign held a Vehicular Homicide Symposium to see what could be done to address this terrifying state of affairs.
The discussion focused on two overarching and interconnected themes: reforming the laws that pertain to Vehicular Homicide, in particular the offense of Criminally Negligent Homicide, and convincing prosecutors to rigorously pursue cases in which people are killed by cars. Cy Vance, the Democratic nominee for Manhattan District Attorney, was on hand to address some of the issues that pertain to prosecutors, while Peter Goldwasser and Kyle Wiswall spoke about Hayley and Diego's Law, a proposed New York State Law that aims to protect vulnerable street users by creating additional charging options alongside existing laws.
It was an exciting event that helped bring attention to one of the weakest links in the City's efforts for livable streets. In the coming months, T.A. will continue to work with District Attorneys from around the city and advocates from around the country to set a course for safer streets.
