NEW YORK—Starting Friday, the default city speed limit slows down to 25 mph.
Mayor Bill de Blasio reduced the limit from 30 mph as part of his “Vision Zero” plan to eliminate traffic deaths.
The survival rate of an accident at 25 mph is much higher than at 35 mph, according to the mayor.
The speed limit does not apply to certain roads and highways where a different speed limit is posted. Ninety percent of the city’s streets now have a speed limit of 25 mph or lower.
The plan will be phased in, said the mayor Thursday at an unrelated press conference about Sandy resiliency efforts. Public education and warnings will go out first, and then enforcement will happen over time.
“But I'll tell you, I think there’s a real consensus in this town that we need to have people drive more carefully, more safely, and slower,” said de Blasio.
He added, “I’ve been very, very pleased with the response to Vision Zero. It’s just gotten started, but already 24 fewer pedestrian fatalities than last year.”
