Every two hours in NYC, someone is killed or seriously injured in a traffic crash.

These are preventable crashes—not "accidents"—and the reckless driving and dangerous street design that cause these crashes have proven solutions.

We are represented by hundreds of members who have been injured or lost loved ones in crashes. Together, we transform our grief by telling our personal stories of trauma and loss to raise awareness and bring about policy and legislative change. Through hard-fought campaigns, we have lowered the speed limit and brought speed safety cameras to nearly every school district in NYC. We fight to end all traffic violence because no death or life-altering injury is acceptable.

We believe no one should have to endure the physical, emotional and spiritual trauma of traffic violence alone. FSS support services include monthly support communities, peer-mentoring, logistical assistance and a detailed resource guide.

In partnership with Transportation Alternatives, Families for Safe Streets was founded in 2014. With chapters forming across the country, we have begun a national movement to end this epidemic.

Join with us to be part of the solution.  

info@familiesforsafestreets.org

+1-844-377-7337

Help us end the epidemic of traffic violence

In our very first year, we celebrated a major victory in a hard-fought campaign to lower the citywide speed limit to 25 mph. After building a coalition of over 300 organizations, hosting 24-hour vigils and marathons, delivering 400 boxes of pudding to an obstinate State Senator and even getting arrested, FSS won its #EverySchool campaign for speed safety cameras.

From transforming “boulevards of death” to getting reckless drivers off the road, we are committed to working with elected officials, schools, hospitals, law enforcement, and community organizations to end this public health epidemic.

Join us to:

1. Get dangerous drivers off the road

2. Hold reckless drivers accountable after a crash

3. Demand that all streets are designed for safety

Every bit of advocacy work is important. Join us for whatever your time and interest allows. From sharing your story, making phone calls and posting on social media to participating in lobby days, making signs or sharing your space, skills, and expertise. Together we can end this epidemic.

If you have been personally impacted by a traffic crash, please join us. Click here to complete our membership form. We look forward to being in touch.

If you simply care about the safety and well being of all street users, you are an important part of this movement too!

Do you know someone who was injured or killed? Are you sick of reading the headlines and interested in making our streets safe for all? Friends of Families for Safe Streets was launched in 2019 to support the lifesaving work of those who have been directly impacted by crashes. Through financial support, attending events, signing petitions and taking other actions, you can make a difference.

Sadly, the epidemic of traffic crashes is one that unites us all. People of every faith, neighborhood, race, class, gender, age, ability and political affiliation are hit personally by this issue.

We invite all faith leaders to use their pulpits, prayers and programming to remind communities that we are all part of the solution.

Traffic crashes are fixable problems, caused by dangerous streets and unsafe drivers. They are not accidents. Pledge to stop using the word "accident" today.

Download our 2020 Support Community Calendar.

Have you been injured or lost a loved one in a traffic crash? You are not alone.

The aftermath of losing a loved one or being seriously injured often brings a sense of confusion, depression, anxiety, and hopelessness. It derails our ability to feel safe in the world and is an assault on our physical, emotional, mental and spiritual lives. Dealing with the resulting heartbreak and grief is exhausting and often takes place at the same time that practical and legal issues demand attention.

Now is the time to find support, and Families for Safe Streets is here to help. We are in the unique position to provide assistance because we have been through similar trauma and loss and are familiar with the emotional and practical resources that can make a difference. Although family members and friends are invaluable, they may be in shock themselves and not able to provide the most objective and understanding guidance.

We work to inspire hope and support for individuals who, like us, are learning how to live with traumatic loss and injury. By passing on what we have learned from experience, we can help you feel less alone and discover your own strength and resilience.  No one should have to suffer through what we have gone through, but there is power and comfort in uniting over our life altering tragedies.

We are here for you. 

info@familiesforsafestreets.org

+1-844-377-7337

Support Community Gatherings

FSS Support Community monthly meetings are an opportunity for individuals who have lost a loved one and those impacted by traffic violence, to connect in a structured, supportive environment. Many sessions include guest speakers who help to facilitate a healing modality, provide insight or relevant information, or an experiential activity. We also leave time for discussion and resource sharing. These gatherings are designed to offer support and guidance and to help participants manage the pain and isolation that can occur after trauma and loss.

We meet monthly at changing locations. Some months are specifically for individuals with a loss, others are for those who have been injured, and some are for both groups. Participants may join at any time.  See calendar for details.

Peer Mentoring

FSS Peer Mentoring provides bereaved family members, or those seriously injured, with a connection to a volunteer peer support mentor.  Our FSS mentors are all individuals who have been through a similar experience and are dedicated to helping others survive this life-altering tragedy.

The desire to talk to someone who understands may arise immediately after the tragedy, or years later.  Peer mentors are available to listen, provide support, and share the wisdom they have gained through their own tragedies.  They are not acting as therapists, counselors, or legal experts.  However, they can listen, share what they have learned to survive, and provide referrals or resources when necessary.

If you wish to be matched with a mentor, we will set-up an initial call to get more information. Following this initial call, the volunteer mentor will contact you by phone or email.

Depending on the mutual agreement between you and your volunteer mentor, the frequency and duration of the peer-connection is flexible.  The contact may be a one-time event or continue for a few months depending on your interest. Typically, contact is weekly by phone for the first month with an occasional in-person meeting, should that be practical and useful, and continues for 3-6 months with a phone call every other week.  Phone calls can last up to an hour.  You can decide how often you wish to speak with your mentor, and you can choose to end participation at any time. All discussions are completely confidential.

It is important that each person’s time, energy, and boundaries be respected at all times. Volunteers are not professional counselors and cannot be someone’s sole support system.

info@familiesforsafestreets.org

+1-844-377-7337

Online Help

FSS has private Facebook pages that brings together individuals with similar experiences.

• Families for Safe Streets NY for Loss of a Loved One (Not Child) to traffic

• Families for Safe Streets NY for Parents Who Have Lost Children in Crashes

• Families for Safe Streets NY for Survivors of Traffic Violence

• Families for Safe Streets NY for Caregivers of Survivors of Traffic Violence

• Families for Safe Streets NY (for all members)

There is a public Facebook group but the private groups are for online support. Anyone can find the group in a search and see who is in it, but only members of the group can see posts.

Send a Facebook request to join.

Logistical Assistance

The practical and legal issues following a crash can be overwhelming. We are not attorneys, but we can share the knowledge we have gained from our own experiences, and refer you as needed. Please feel free to contact us if you have questions or need assistance. See also our resource guide which includes the 5 things to consider immediately after a crash.