New York Legistlation Allows Lower Speed Limits and Higher Hit and Run Penalties

According to a recent press release, New York Governor Kathy Hochul recently signed into law two pieces of legislation aimed at enhancing New York roadway safety. The legislative package consists of two main components. First, it allows municipalities to reduce default speed limits to 25 miles per hour. Second, it will increase fines for motorists who leave the scene of a car crash without reporting it. These are often known as “hit-and-run” accidents.  

NY Allows a Reduced Speed Limit of 25 MPH

Longstanding New York law held that the default maximum speed limit throughout a city, town, or village could not be set below 30 miles per hour. One piece of legislation recently signed by the Governor would allow local governments to reduce the speed limit to 25 miles per hour.  

Specifically, this law would allow cities, towns, and villages to take additional steps to protect pedestrians and cyclists on New York roads. Reducing the speed limit may reduce the severity of injuries sustained by pedestrians and cyclists involved in accidents. According to a press release, research demonstrates that faster driving speeds correlate with more serious injuries and fatalities for pedestrians in the event of a car accident.  

NY Increases Fines for Hit and Run Accidents

Motor vehicle accidents can become especially complicated when an at-fault driver flees the scene. The second part of the legislative package would increase fines for leaving the scene of an accident without reporting, aiming to deter such misconduct. Specifically, the law sets the fine range for fleeing the scene to $750 – $1,000 for first time offenders, and $1,000 – $3,000 for repeat offenders. By imposing harsher penalties, lawmakers, citing statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, hope the law will help to reduce accidents and traffic-related deaths.  

Hurt in a Car? Call William Mattar.

If you have suffered injuries because of a New York speeding or hit-and-run accident, you may be looking for an experiendce car accident injury lawyer. The motor vehicle accident attorneys at William Mattar, P.C. have the experience to help. Let us evaluate your situation to determine how we can help you obtain maximum compensation for your injuries.   Contact us online or by calling (844) 444-4444.