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

DOT Launches Anti-Reckless Driving Campaign Featuring Families of Victims

David Shephard's fiancée was killed by a reckless driver in the Bronx. Image: DOT
David Shephard's fiancée Sonya Powell was killed by a reckless driver in a Bronx crosswalk. Images: DOT
David Shephard's fiancee was killed by a reckless driver in the Bronx. Image: DOT

DOT announced yesterday that it is launching an education campaign to combat reckless driving -- specifically speeding, distracted driving, and failure to yield to pedestrians. These three violations combined account for 40 percent of New Yorkers killed in car crashes, DOT says.

The campaign, which will be on bus shelters, billboards, radio and social media, and will soon be accompanied by a campaign against drunk driving, features family members of those killed by reckless drivers. One ad features Audrey Anderson, whose son Andre, 14, was killed in 2005 while riding his bike on Shore Front Parkway in the Rockaways. Another ad shows David Shephard, whose fiancée Sonya Powell was killed in a Baychester Avenue crosswalk in 2009 by a speeding driver.

In 2012 alone, 34 people were killed by drivers not yielding the right of way, 48 were killed by distracted drivers, and 59 were killed by speeding drivers, DOT says.

In its release announcing the campaign, DOT noted that pedestrian fatalities are on the rise in recent years and singled out drivers who mount sidewalks as one of the reasons for the increase in fatalities. Researchers said last week at Elmhurst Hospital that they are also seeing an increase in sidewalk crashes.

Audrey Anderson's 14-year-old son Andre was killed by a motorist while riding his bike in 2005.
Audrey Anderson's 14-year-old son Andre was killed by a motorist while riding his bike in 2005.
Audrey Anderson's 14-year-old son Andre was killed by a motorist while riding his bike in 2005.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Queens Pols Have Lots of Claims About the Evils of Scooter-Share, But Few Facts

Queens elected officials rallied together to oppose e-scooters, but they are flat out wrong, DOT says.

September 17, 2024

Even 500 Episodes In, Jeff Wood Isn’t Done Exploring Everything Cities Can Be

Streetsblog's most prolific podcaster looks back on his legacy, and explores what's coming next.

September 17, 2024

Streetsblog to DOT: We’ll See You in Court — Again!

Streetsblog is quite a FOIL to the Department of Transportation!

September 17, 2024

Carmageddon: Shift to Remote Work Led to Increase in Driving and Congestion Nationally

Driving miles are higher today than they were before the pandemic, even though more Americans than ever still work from home.

September 17, 2024

Tuesday’s Headlines: Make McGuinness Safe Edition

The mayor's failure to implement the full road diet on McGuinness Boulevard continues to have terrible repercussions. Plus other news.

September 17, 2024
See all posts