Commissioner Flynn concludes testimony with Vision Zero reflections
Flynn concludes by emphasizing every death is avoidable, notes Vision Zero has reduced traffic deaths by nearly 30%, and says DOT is committed to preventing future tragedies.
In conclusion, every death or serious injury on our streets is an avoidable tragedy, affecting not only the victim, but their families, friends, and colleagues.
Since I began serving as commissioner, I've met many New Yorkers who lost loved ones to traffic violence or were themselves injured in a crash.
Hearing their stories and understanding the long-term pain and trauma that never really go away, it makes these issues not just academic, but so very tangible.
And it underscores the importance of our work together here today towards Vision Zero.
Likewise, every member of our team that works on Vision Zero and street safety projects carries with them
a profound sense of responsibility to not only honor the memory of those who've been lost with aggressive data-driven action, but to prevent the next tragedy from happening.
Vision Zero works.
It's saving lives.
Compared to the same point in the year before Vision Zero was implemented, traffic deaths are down nearly 30%.
But this is about more than numbers and percentages.
These are real people, real families.
That 30% reduction in traffic deaths means more than 50 individuals are alive this year alone compared to the year before Vision Zero began.
That's 50 individuals, 50 families, and many more times, many times more neighbors, coworkers, and classmates of those individuals, all of whom will be
spared from tragedy.
We're encouraged by the progress we're making at DOT, but acknowledge that there's much more to be done.
I would like to thank the Council for the opportunity to testify before you today, and I look forward to partnering together on meaningful legislation to help shape evolving micromobility trends in a safe and impactful way.
We would now be happy to pass to DCWP for testimony.