Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
City Council

Council Committee Gives Short Shrift to Deterring Traffic Violence

vallone.jpgPublic Safety Chair Peter Vallone, Jr.

It sounds as if yesterday's City Council Public Safety Committee hearing on Resolution 145, which calls on state lawmakers "to address the legal loopholes that allow dangerous and
deadly drivers to drive under the influence of drugs or to drive with a
suspended or revoked license," could have gone better.

According to Audrey Anderson, whose son Andre was killed by a motorist in 2005, the hearing was dominated by other resolutions, so that when it came time to hear testimony on traffic violence, council members were more interested in clearing the room.

"I couldn't even finish my statement," Anderson said. "None of them [members of the committee] really questioned any of us."

Anderson said that as she spoke about incomplete investigations of traffic collisions resulting in injury or death to pedestrians, she was interrupted by committee chair Peter Vallone, who said the city doesn't have enough police.

"He actually said this meeting was not about that," Anderson told Streetsblog. "I was stunned."

Yesterday's hearing was held to gather testimony; there was no vote. If the council's initial foray into tougher punishment for drivers who kill is any indication, Anderson, for one, isn't hopeful much will come of it.

"It was grandstanding," she said. "There was nothing more to it than that."

If anyone else out there attended the hearing, please leave your impressions in the comments.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Thursday’s Headlines: Janno’s Speaking Edition

Local news outlets had a field day after MTA CEO Janno Lieber reiterated his longstanding skepticism of Zohran Mamdani's free buses platform. Plus more news.

October 30, 2025

Decision 2025: Ben Chou Hopes to Unseat Vickie Paladino on Street Safety

Chou, who grew up biking in and around the district, called out his opponent's anti-bike "fear-mongering."

October 30, 2025

Vision Zero Hero! Former FDNY Commish Wants Agency To Join the Safe Streets Fight

Former FDNY Commissioner wants the agency to stop taking a back seat on street safety.

October 30, 2025

Crunching Numbers to Curb Crashes: Using Federal Data to Make Our Roads Safer

Upholding federal data transparency is key to understanding and reversing the alarming level of crashes, fatalities, and strained infrastructure. Here's where we have more work to do.

October 30, 2025

After Dismissing Streetsblog’s Reporting, FDNY Simplifies Rules for E-Bike Charging Stations … That Streetsblog Exposed

The FDNY changed its guidelines in the middle of a City Council hearing where it faced questions about delays to the program.

October 29, 2025

Unfinished Astoria Bike Lane Languishes As Judge Delays Lawsuit Ruling

The completion of Astoria's 31st Street protected bike lane may get pushed to next year if Judge Cheree Buggs doesn't make up her mind soon.

October 29, 2025
See all posts