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

Teen Speed Camera Advocate: All Streets of this City are Dangerous

Truth to power: Avery Dermer held a photo of her childhood friend Cooper Stock when she called on the mayor for more action on street safety. Photo: Julianne Cuba

Mayor de Blasio announced on Friday that hundreds of new speed cameras will be installed in the city over the next 12 months, bringing the total up to 750 school zone systems. It's a great victory for street safety, but those 750 camera systems will still only cover a minuscule portion of New York City. We were reminded of that shortfall by the courageous words of Avery Dermer, whose childhood friend, Cooper Stock, was killed by a driver in 2014. Dermer spoke before the mayor at the Friday press conference and reminded everyone that the streets of de Blasio's New York are still unsafe. Her brief speech was a clarion call for more action to rein in reckless drivers — and, as such, we are publishing it verbatim.

Cooper Stock. Photo: Barron Lerner via ##http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/01/24/treat-reckless-driving-like-drunk-driving/##New York Times##
Cooper Stock. Photo: Barron Lerner
Cooper Stock. Photo: Barron Lerner via ##http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/01/24/treat-reckless-driving-like-drunk-driving/##New York Times##

My name is Avery Dermer and I am 16 years old. I was born and raised on the Upper West Side and live on West End Avenue. I am here today because of what happened when I was only 10 years old, a senseless tragedy that has affected my life, and so many other lives, since.

My neighbor and friend, Cooper Stock, was struck by a car while only a few steps away from returning home. He was only 9 years old when he died. It happened right in front of our building, where we loved to play and pretend to be doormen. I will forever remember Cooper as being a smiling and happy person, and it is upsetting how I used to look forward to how great it would be to have a friend so close, only one floor away, to grow up with.

I'm here today because Cooper is not. He never got the chance to become a teenager and develop into his own person.

I'm here today because no family should have to go through what Cooper's family went through. After Cooper passed, I realized how dangerous West End Avenue — and all the streets of this city — are. All New York City kids deserve to be safe going to and from school. No child should have to worry if today will be their last. I pay attention to traffic safety as a pedestrian, but there is still so much that is out of my control. I have to trust the laws, and I have to trust that the citizens of New York will respect the speed limit, especially in school districts, in order to keep kids safe and alive.

When Cooper died, I lost trust in our city. I became very nervous walking the streets, even when I was in the company of my parents. Today, I'm still overly cautious because I have experienced the tragedy of Cooper's loss.

It shouldn't take knowing someone who died to realize how important street safety is, whether one is a pedestrian or a driver. Now by speaking up, by demanding changes like speed cameras across New York City, all of us are safer and all of us can finally gain back the trust we lost.

On behalf of kids across the city, on behalf of Cooper Stock and my classmates, on behalf of all of the victims of traffic accidents who were taken too young, on behalf of their families, and on behalf of all of the kids here at P.S. 199 who are no older than Cooper was, I want to thank Mayor de Blasio and everyone who fought and advocated on behalf of this new law. Thanks so much to everyone who succeeded in getting more speed cameras in New York City, and who are still helping us feel safer walking the streets of our city and our neighborhoods once again.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Five Ways New NYPD Boss Jessica Tisch Can Fix Our Dangerous Streets

If the Sanitation Commissioner wants to use her new position to make city streets safer for pedestrians and cyclists, here's where she can start.

November 21, 2024

What Do the Mayoral Candidates Think Of ‘City of Yes’?

Too bad for Hizzoner that challengers Zellnor Myrie, Brad Lander, Scott Stringer, Jessica Ramos and Zohran Mamdani — all Democrats — aren't on the Council. 

November 21, 2024

Thursday’s Headlines: ‘Tisch Gets Wish in Rich Commish Switch’ Edition

We were pleasantly surprised that Mayor Adams chose Sanitation Commissioner Jessica Tisch to give the NYPD a clean sweep. Plus other news.

November 21, 2024

‘Stars On Cars’ Rating System Will Finally Grade How Safe Vehicles Are For People Their Drivers Hit

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has finally changed the nation's consumer safety rating system for new automobiles to accommodate vulnerable road users.

November 21, 2024

Who is Trump’s Would-Be US DOT Secretary Sean Duffy?

Former Fox News host, congressman, reality TV star and competitive lumberjack Sean Duffy has said he wants to "take an ax" to Washington. Will non-automotive modes get the chop, too?

November 20, 2024
See all posts